BOSA: Govt must trim Cabinet, cut spending on VIP protection to help raise funds for basic education

CAPE TOWN - Build One South Africa (BOSA) says the government must cut spending on perks like VIP protection for politicians to help raise funds for basic education. 

The party said it "unequivocally opposes" any reductions in the education budget and urged the government to identify alternative funding sources.

BOSA said that as Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana prepares to table his medium-term budget policy statement on Wednesday, the basic education sector must be protected from a reduction in its budget.

BOSA said there's an estimated R79 billion in cuts to the education budget which threatens to eliminate nearly 3,000 teaching posts.

Spokesperson, Roger Solomons, said this would result in "larger class sizes, overworked teachers, and diminished quality of education".

"This is not just about protecting jobs, it’s about safeguarding our children's future and ensuring every child has access to quality learning conditions," said Solomons.

While it's not clear what Godongwana has in plan in his budget, BOSA said it had identified "several sources" from which to redirect at least R50 billion in funds towards the education budget shortfall.

This includes cutting the size of Cabinet, doing away with VIP protection for politicians and limiting Road Accident Fund payouts.

Solomons said "children's futures must come first, and teachers must be supported, not discarded".