ActionSA is deeply concerned by the disconnection of electricity at five schools in and around Eldorado Park. Five schools, including Kliptown Primary, Heerengracht Primary, Boekenhout Primary, Eldorado Park Secondary and Eldomaine High School, were disconnected on Friday due to arrear accounts.
These accounts were handed back to the schools in April last year by the Department of Education, and upon assuming the responsibility for these accounts, the schools noticed that the Department has not paid the service providers. This meant that the schools, most of them “no-fee” schools, had to carry the burden of arrear accounts which it just can’t afford.
Without electricity, the ability of teachers to deliver quality education is severely compromised. Learners are denied the safe, functional environment they are entitled to – one that supports learning, development and dignity.
While the Minister of Basic Education continues to present an optimistic picture of progress in the sector, the lived reality for thousands of learners tells a very different story. Incidents like these expose a systemic failure to prioritise the most basic needs of schools and the children they serve.
South Africa cannot continue to neglect its youth, treating their education as an afterthought rather than a national priority. The School Governing Bodies have made repeated attempts to resolve the matter, yet there has been no meaningful intervention. This lack of urgency is simply unacceptable.
ActionSA calls for the immediate intervention of the Minister to restore electricity to the affected schools and to resolve the administrative failures that led to this crisis. We further remind government of the court order secured by ActionSA prohibiting load shedding at schools and while this situation differs, it underscores a fundamental principle: schools must be protected and guaranteed access to basic services at all times.
ActionSA Demands Minister’s Intervention as Eldorado Park Schools Left Without Electricity
ActionSA is deeply concerned by the disconnection of electricity at five schools in and around Eldorado Park. Five schools, including Kliptown Primary, Heerengracht Primary, Boekenhout Primary, Eldorado Park Secondary and Eldomaine High School, were disconnected on Friday due to arrear accounts.
These accounts were handed back to the schools in April last year by the Department of Education, and upon assuming the responsibility for these accounts, the schools noticed that the Department has not paid the service providers. This meant that the schools, most of them “no-fee” schools, had to carry the burden of arrear accounts which it just can’t afford.
Without electricity, the ability of teachers to deliver quality education is severely compromised. Learners are denied the safe, functional environment they are entitled to – one that supports learning, development and dignity.
While the Minister of Basic Education continues to present an optimistic picture of progress in the sector, the lived reality for thousands of learners tells a very different story. Incidents like these expose a systemic failure to prioritise the most basic needs of schools and the children they serve.
South Africa cannot continue to neglect its youth, treating their education as an afterthought rather than a national priority. The School Governing Bodies have made repeated attempts to resolve the matter, yet there has been no meaningful intervention. This lack of urgency is simply unacceptable.
ActionSA calls for the immediate intervention of the Minister to restore electricity to the affected schools and to resolve the administrative failures that led to this crisis. We further remind government of the court order secured by ActionSA prohibiting load shedding at schools and while this situation differs, it underscores a fundamental principle: schools must be protected and guaranteed access to basic services at all times.