MEC for Education, Dr MJ Maboya attending the tabling of the 2026/2027 budget speech
The Free State Provincial Budget Speech was tabled by Honourable Ketso Makume, MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism this morning.
MEC Makume, recognized the importance of the Budget Essay Competition, which has become an important tradition that provides learners with the opportunity to gain understanding on how government budgeting works. The ideas and perspectives that are also received from learners through their written essays also provide government with valuable insight.
Congratulations are in order to the overall winner of the competition, Motshidisi Potsane from Ithabeleng Secondary School in Lejweleputswa District.
The Free State Department of Education in this year’s budget is allocated just over R20 billion in 2026/27, R21 billion in 2027/28 and R21.7 billion in 2028/29. In total the department is estimated to spend R62.8 billion over the 2026 MTEF period.
The MTEF allocations include additional amounts of R534.292 million earmarked for alleviation of budget pressures and R22.465 million for equalization of Grade R educators’ remuneration. The allocation will also make provision for R17.168 million towards the Presidential Employment Stimulus, and R16.640 million for the Early Retirement and Voluntary Exit Programme.
The budget allocated will support several key priorities of the department such as:
– Early Childhood Development
– Learning and Teaching Support Material
– Grade R Programme
– School Hostel Support
– Secondary School Support
– School Infrastructure, including maintainance
– Learner Transport Programme
