Budget 2022 will reinforce inequality

Less money for public schools and health care, but tax breaks for corporates and individual taxpayers By Daniel McLaren, Zimbali Mncube, Cheryl-Lyn Selman and Lindi-K Khumalo As Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana delivered his maiden budget speech on 23 February 2022, protesters gathered outside Parliament demanding jobs, basic income, quality public services and wealth taxes as part of an alternative budget. These demands largely fell on deaf ears, as Godongwana’s budget...

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NGOs warn latest budget will have bad outcomes for education

Equal Education say underfunding will cause even more overcrowded classrooms, teacher shortages and learners going without meals By Marecia Damons Equal Education and SECTION27 say although the national budget increased funds for basic education, in real terms spending per learner is decreasing. Of major concern are cuts in funding for teachers, which will lead to shortages and even more overcrowded classrooms. ...

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For Michael Komape’s family, justice at last

The Supreme Court of Appeal awarded the family of the five-year-old almost R1.5 million for the “appalling and undignified death” Komape suffered by drowning in a pit latrine at school. By Tania Broughton The family of five-year-old Michael Komape has been awarded R1.4 million in damages for “psychiatric injuries” they suffered as a result of his “appalling and undignified death” when...

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Undocumented children win right to basic education

In a monumental ruling at the Makhanda high court, judges found it was unconstitutional to bar learners without birth certificates from receiving basic schooling. By Tania Broughton Thirty-seven children have changed the law for themselves and an estimated one million others in South Africa who have been deprived of an education because they are undocumented. In a ruling penned by Judge President...

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