ActionSA Gauteng Condemns Irresponsible Governance in Gauteng Schools
Press Statement by John Moodey
ActionSA Member of the Gauteng Legislature
ActionSA is appalled by the revelations that the Gauteng Department of Education is transferring debt burdens to schools, leaving the already-struggling parents to cover over R300 million debt. This decision, which will have a devastating impact – especially in no-fee-paying school – is a clear example of the provincial government’s failure to prioritize the needs of learners, educators and parents.
Despite its earlier commitment to paying utility costs for schools, after failing to keep up with payments and racking up a massive arrears backlog, the department issued a directive in March stating that, from April 1, all schools would be solely responsible for managing and settling their own municipal accounts. This has left schools with old debts they had no prior responsibility to honour, with some receiving disconnection warnings for bills dating back more than 90 days – long before the policy shift took effect
The situation is unacceptable, with schools being forced to endure the most of the department’s financial mismanagement. This not only disrupts the learning environment but also places an unfair burden on schools, learners, and educators. ActionSA has previously highlighted similar issues, such as Julius Sebolai Primary School in Bramfischerville, Soweto, being forced to spend R8 000 every two days on diesel for electricity.
ActionSA demands that the provincial government take immediate action to:
Resolve Funding Shortfalls: Ensure adequate funding for schools to cover essential services and prevent further debt accumulation.
Prioritize Learner Needs: Develop and implement a comprehensive plan to address the utility crisis and ensure a conducive learning environment.
Ensure Accountability: Hold officials accountable for financial mismanagement and develop strategies to prevent similar situations in the future.
With schools already facing challenges of inadequate infrastructure, overcrowded classrooms and staff shortages, this decision adds an unnecessary burden on them.
ActionSA Gauteng urges the provincial government to take responsibility for its actions and prioritize the needs of learners and educators. We will continue to monitor the situation and advocate for the rights of Gauteng residents to quality education and essential services.
ActionSA Gauteng Condemns Irresponsible Governance in Gauteng Schools
ActionSA is appalled by the revelations that the Gauteng Department of Education is transferring debt burdens to schools, leaving the already-struggling parents to cover over R300 million debt. This decision, which will have a devastating impact – especially in no-fee-paying school – is a clear example of the provincial government’s failure to prioritize the needs of learners, educators and parents.
Despite its earlier commitment to paying utility costs for schools, after failing to keep up with payments and racking up a massive arrears backlog, the department issued a directive in March stating that, from April 1, all schools would be solely responsible for managing and settling their own municipal accounts. This has left schools with old debts they had no prior responsibility to honour, with some receiving disconnection warnings for bills dating back more than 90 days – long before the policy shift took effect
The situation is unacceptable, with schools being forced to endure the most of the department’s financial mismanagement. This not only disrupts the learning environment but also places an unfair burden on schools, learners, and educators. ActionSA has previously highlighted similar issues, such as Julius Sebolai Primary School in Bramfischerville, Soweto, being forced to spend R8 000 every two days on diesel for electricity.
ActionSA demands that the provincial government take immediate action to:
With schools already facing challenges of inadequate infrastructure, overcrowded classrooms and staff shortages, this decision adds an unnecessary burden on them.
ActionSA Gauteng urges the provincial government to take responsibility for its actions and prioritize the needs of learners and educators. We will continue to monitor the situation and advocate for the rights of Gauteng residents to quality education and essential services.