... FPE grant should increase based on inflation - MP

MBABANE – Government wants to amend the Free Primary Education Act, so that the is increased based on inflation, every year.

The Minister of Education and Training said this when responding to questions from members of the portfolio committee of the ministry, at the House of Assembly.

A question had been asked by Maseyisini MP Nokuthula Dlamini, who wanted to know why the ministry was not considering a provision to make the grant increase automatically, when inflation increased.

This year, Minister Owen Nxumalo announced that the orphaned and vulnerable children (OVC) grant would increase by 20 per cent. This was the first time that the grant was increased, since free primary education was introduced in 2010.

Nxumalo said in response to the evolving economic landscape, the ministry had made the increase effective 2024 schools calendar. He said the first tranche of payment had been disbursed, while some schools were still receiving the money.

“It is imperative to note that this structure has not been previously reviewed to accommodate inflation and rising costs over the years. However, to announce that the Cabinet in 2023 approved the ministry’s request for an amendment to the fee schedule, acknowledging the necessary factor in the rising costs,” he said.

Education

Nxumalo said the increase would enable school principals to effectively manage the operational costs of schools, ensuring the smooth functioning of the education system. On another note, the MP asked the ministry if the OVC grant of E1 950 for school fees would also be increased.

The minister said his ministry was engaged in talks with the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office to review the OVC grant.

Meanwhile, Lubombo Region MP Futhi Ngcamphalala asked the minister to ensure that food was always available in schools.

To this, Nxumalo said the ministry, through government and partners, was committed to ensuring that one meal is provided in schools, despite the inherent challenges related to unprecedented and experiential price hikes.

“As such, schools are encouraged and supported to provide their own food to supplement what the government is supply to the schools,” the minister said.

Introduce

Meanwhile, Matsanjeni South MP Sabelo Ndlangamandla suggested that government should introduce free primary education (FPE) at secondary level.

The minister said it would be good to do this, but government was currently only able to provide FPE and OVC grant.

The report was presented by Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee for the Ministry Mancoba Sihlongonyane.