By Lungile Ntima
The Democratic Alliance in Gauteng has one gain called on the education department to reverse its decision requiring no-fee schools to pay their own utility bills.
It is also pushing for the establishment of a task team to resolve municipal disputes and prevent future disconnections.
This follows a written reply by education MEC Matome Chiloane to questions posed by the DA in the provincial legislature, revealing that 525 schools have experienced electricity and/or water disconnections since last year January, which was an increase of 536 previously reported.
DA MPL Sergio Isa Dos Santos said the situation had reached a breaking point, with over R58 million in unpaid utility bills leading to electricity and water disconnections.
“This has made it impossible to provide lighting in classrooms, power educational technology and maintain hygiene and safety standards. As a result, stress levels are increasing and morale is plummeting among learners and educators,” Dos Santos said in a statement on Monday.
He accused the department of neglecting its responsibilities by continuing to expect no-fee paying schools to cover their own utility bills.
Dos Santos added that what was even more concerning was that the schools collectively owed R58,586,285.04, which the department admitted it could not settle during the 2024/25 financial year.
“The department has claimed that all debts will be cleared by 30 June 2025, but no evidence has been provided to confirm this,” he said.
Follow-up questions posed by the DA aimed to clarify the duration of school disconnections, affected services, notifications to schools and support provided.
However, Dos Santos said the MEC responded vaguely, referencing previous annexures and replies that omitted critical details or failed to address the specific questions.
“This evasive approach is unacceptable. The utility crisis has serious implications for learners’ dignity, health and access to quality education, particularly in schools with limited resources to cope,” said Dos Santos.
“The DA will continue to hold the GDE accountable for its financial neglect which is affecting the education system in the province. We will fight until every learner has access to a safe, dignified, and uninterrupted learning environment,” said Dos Santos.
Department spokesperson Steve Mabona did not respond to questions from Inside Education.
INSIDE EDUCATION
