Grade R underfunded as dropout crisis deepens

Opposition criticises ‘budget of betrayal’ as Treasury declines to fund compulsory Grade R rollout

11 July 2025 – 12:32

by Tara Roos

Underfunding for compulsory Grade R has emerged as a major concern after the department of basic education debated the budget vote this week.

The debate followed deliberations in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) earlier in the week, where provinces warned that without structural adjustments and adequate funding, the system remained at risk of further deterioration…

Source