Issued by Ismail Joosub on behalf of the FW de Klerk Foundation:
*This article was first published as an opinion piece by Business Day on 12/03/2025.
For the first time in democratic South Africa, the tabling of the National Budget was postponed. The reason? A deadlock within the Government of National Unity (“GNU”) over a proposed VAT increase. The ANC, now forced to govern in coalition, found itself at odds with other coalition partners over the proposed 2% hike, which, specifically, the DA opposed on the basis that it would hurt the poor and shrink the economy. The impasse sent shockwaves through the economy, weakening the rand by 1% against the dollar and rattling investor confidence. But beyond the markets and political fallout, the biggest consequence of this delay is what it means for public services—particularly education. Without a budget, provinces cannot properly plan spending and, already, schools across the country are being hit hard by funding shortfalls.
KwaZulu-Natal’s education system is facing a staggering crisis. Due to budget constraints, the province could lose up to 19 000 teaching posts this year. To put that in perspective, the province has about 6 000 public schools—this would mean losing, on average, more than three teachers per school. In a system already under pressure, these cuts will result in severe overcrowding, where classrooms of 35 to 40 students could swell to 50 or even 60. The impact is not just theoretical. The province achieved an 89,5% matric pass rate in 2024, but sustaining such success is impossible when thousands of teachers are being removed from the system. The Western Cape is also feeling the squeeze, expecting to lose 2 400 teaching positions due to a R3,8 billion shortfall over the next three years. These aren’t just numbers—these are the teachers responsible for equipping the next generation with the skills they need to contribute meaningfully to the….continue reading this article HERE.
Sibusiso Bengu: {1994 – 1999} Sibusiso Bengu served as the Minister of Education from 1994 to 1999. He was responsible for overseeing the integration of the previously divided education systems in South Africa. His tenure focused on policy development aimed at improving educational access and quality.
Elder Pogue
A South African, an Australian and an Englishman are all having a drink
The Englishman and South African both drink from Pint Glasses, the Australian from a bottle.
The South African, upon draining his glass, drops in back down on the bar, pulls out a pistol, and shoots the glass.
\”In South Africa, there is so much sand that I never drink from the same glass twice!\”
The Australian, having drained his bottle, sets it down upon the bar and, upon seizing the South African\’s pistol, shoots his bottle.
\”In Australia, there is so much booze that I never drink from the same brand twice!\”
The Englishman, likewise having drained his glass, sets his glass upon the table, seizes the pistol the pistol from the Australian, and shoots the South African and the Australian, quite dead.
\”In England, there are so many of you bastards that I never drink with the same two twice!\”
Boost Princess
Uzbekistan: You have two cows. They are probably less bored than you.