Budget Speech 2014 > Government Expenditure Programmes

We have also made strides in improving access to education over the past five years.

•	In 2007, 5 million learners had access to free education; this year the number reached 8.8 million.

•	Grade R enrolment has increased from 544 000 in 2009 to 779 000 this year.

•	The national school nutrition programme now feeds 8.7 million children.

•	The Funza Lushaka bursary scheme supported 3 950 graduates qualifying for placement as teachers in 2013.

Through the National Education Collaboration Trust, government, business, labour and civil society will pool resources and work together to restore schools and improve education outcomes in the period ahead.

The allocation to the National Student Financial Aid Scheme increases from R5.1 billion last year to R6.6 billion in 2016/17. This will increase the number of FET college bursaries to 292 000 and will assist over 236 000 students to attend university by 2016/17.

As is emphasised in the NDP, improvements in education are critical. Dashen Shivambu from Polokwane was one of many who wrote to me in support of Minister Nzimande’s plans: “I would like you to put more money on the table for Higher Education as more funding is required.” So the 2014 Budget again gives special priority to education.