Grade R Teacher Pay Falls Short, Department Tells Parliament

Officials say R342 million allocated for Grade R teacher pay is far below the R5.5 billion needed nationwide.

Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Primary Education

Grade R Teacher Pay Falls Short, Department Tells Parliament

Live Poll

Should the government pay Grade R teachers a full salary?

The Department of Basic Education told Parliament that the R342 million allocated to pay Grade R teachers is too small. The department estimates R5.5 billion is needed to cover Grade R nationwide, where 13,600 teachers work.

Why it matters

Grade R is the foundation phase of schooling, and the funding gap affects how teachers are paid and retained. Teacher unions argue Grade R teachers should be absorbed as full-time teachers.

The department allocated R342 million against a R5.5 billion requirement, a shortfall of more than R5 billion. Of the 13,600 Grade R teachers nationwide, 5,600 hold Grade R teaching certificates, while the remainder's qualification status is not specified.

The players

Department of Basic Education

The national South African government department responsible for schooling from pre-primary through to Grade 12, including Grade R.

The details

Leticia Munda, an official of the department, gave the figures to members of Parliament on 11 November 2026. Qualified Grade R teachers are paid a stipend rather than a full salary, and some have volunteered for long periods or been paid by parents of the children they teach.

11 November 2026: Department briefs Parliament on the Grade R teacher funding shortfall.

Primary Education Context

Grade R is the reception year that forms the foundation phase of South African schooling, and this funding gap tests how far the government's commitment to universal Grade R is backed by pay for the teachers delivering it.

Parents may be asked to contribute to the pay of some Grade R teachers, since some are paid by the parents of the children they teach. The funding gap could affect whether Grade R classes stay staffed by qualified teachers.

The takeaway

Closing the gap between the R342 million allocated and the R5.5 billion needed is central to stabilising the Grade R teaching workforce. Readers should watch for how the department responds to the Parliamentary briefing.