Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has expressed concerns that significant budget cuts in her department are hindering the efficiency of the education system. During her visit to Bloemfontein, Free State, as part of her national listening and learning tour, Gwarube highlighted the challenges of maintaining a balanced teacher-to-learner ratio in classrooms.

She warned that issues such as overcrowding and inadequate school infrastructure could negatively affect educational outcomes. "We are seeing infrastructure as a very common theme," Gwarube noted.

While acknowledging that the Free State is not one of the provinces currently grappling with pit toilet issues, she emphasized that infrastructure remains a pressing concern, whether related to maintenance, appropriate sanitation, or the construction of new schools. "We know it is a huge Achilles' heel for us," she stated.