As schooling resumed across the country, for countless parents and learners, the harsh realities of these circumstances have been no different in 2025. The January rush for stationery, uniforms, and school fees weighs heavily, even on those parents striving to keep their children in Quintile 4 and 5 schools, often seen as a step up but increasingly out of reach. We have seen more and more parent moving their children out of Quintile 1, 2 and 3 schools opting for Quintile 4 and 5 schools because of the perception that these schools are better equip. In fact- governments investment into Quintile 1, 2 and 3 schools have shown remarkable results based on the newly released results. 

Recent outrage on social media reflects the struggles many parents face in providing school essentials, particularly given the financial burdens many families endure. The controversy is heightened by the fact that schools, which are intended to alleviate financial strain on low-income families, are still requesting additional contributions. This has raised concerns about the transparency and proper use of state funds allocated to these schools, further intensifying public dissatisfaction.

In the words of Tata Nelson Mandela: – Education is a powerful weapon to escape poverty and create a better world. It’s a fundamental human right.

Education, which is meant to be a beacon of hope for families determined to break free from the chains of poverty, is getting dimmed further by the mounting pressures of the country’s economic hardship.

The National Treasury’s proposed budget cuts appear as a dire threat, meant to undo the already weak state of Quintile 4 and 5 schools. These schools, often mistakenly regarded as well-resourced, are barely holding on, and the cracks in their foundations are beginning to show. If implemented, these cuts will force even more learners into an education crisis.

Quintile 4 and 5 schools may appear to be thriving, in comparison to their Quintile 1 to 3 counterparts, as these schools are often grouped into the “haves” of the education system. However, the reality for many of these schools is far from ideal.  For instance, with schools situated in township areas, there are quite a number of learners who still require aid, with parents struggling to meet rising school fees.

Parents in Quintile 4 and 5 schools may face financial challenges, though less so than those in lower quintiles. While these schools are fee-paying, the rising cost of living and education-related expenses can still cause strain for many families. Statistics South Africa (2023) research revealed that even middle-income families in South Africa are struggling with the high cost of goods and services, including education, which continues to rise faster than inflation.

South Africa’s poverty levels remain high, with Statistics South Africa pointing to around 55.5% of the population was living below the poverty line, making it harder for many families to make ends meet, even in Quintiles 4 and 5. Despite their income levels, parents in these quintiles may still find it difficult to meet financial demands.

In schools across the country, some teachers end up using their own money to buy essential classroom materials. One such example is the story of Principal Matthews, the head of Cecil Road Primary School in Observatory, who has been reported to dip into his own pocket to purchase stationery for his learners, having spent over R10,000. This has been necessary since the government decided to cut the provision of school supplies. Despite the strain on his own finances, Principal Matthews remains committed to ensuring that his learners have the resources they need to succeed, even as the government’s support falls short. It is for this reason that we need a more serious investment form Corporate South Africa to play a more active role in local school programs as well as Local economic development.

Nationally, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) has acknowledged that over 20,000 posts could be lost due to funding shortfalls. This will mean overcrowded classrooms, overburdened educators, and reduced individual attention for learners particularly those who need it most.

Statistics often mask the realities of Quintile 4 and 5 learners’ families, many of whom are caught in the trap of being “too rich” to qualify for government aid, but too poor to comfortably shoulder the financial burden of education. The term “working poor” rightly describes their plight.

While budget cuts may seem inevitable in the current economic times, they are not a solution but a short-sighted strategy with long-term consequences.

South Africa’s education system is often described as the great equaliser, but budget cuts threaten to deepen inequality rather than reduce it. The National Treasury must seriously reconsider its approach to education funding. Budget Cutbacks will inevitably increase social illness which our country is riddled with. 

Notwithstanding, Quintile 1, 2 and 3 needs additional resources to stimulate and speed up poorer communities and learners. Whilst Quintile 4 and 5 learners also represent the nation’s hope for a brighter future and ignoring their needs is not just a disservice to them; it is a disservice to the country.

The faces behind the statistics remind us of what is at stake: a generation of potential doctors, engineers, teachers, and entrepreneurs. South Africa cannot afford to let its education system falter, instead we must ensure that every learner, regardless of their school’s quintile, has the resources they need to succeed.

National Treasury and private sector should collaborate with the DBE to implement a sustainable, long-term financial strategy that not only reduces dependency on fluctuating economic factors but simultaneously ensures that the education system remains adequately staffed and equipped to provide quality education to all learners.

This is not a question of whether South Africa can afford to invest in education, it is whether we can afford not to.”

Keith Michael is the Chief Executive of Lebone Litho Printers.