Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi urges municipalities to enforce payment discipline by cutting services to state schools with unpaid debts.
Gauteng State Schools Face Mounting Debt Crisis
State schools in Gauteng owe over R262 million to municipalities for critical services like electricity, water, and waste management. This revelation has prompted Premier Panyaza Lesufi to advocate for decisive action against defaulters, urging municipalities to cut off services to non-compliant schools.
The debt is attributed to 1,601 schools, with non-Section 21 schools owing R69 million and Section 21 schools accumulating R192 million in unpaid dues. Lesufi emphasized the need for accountability but urged municipalities to avoid disconnections during exam periods to prevent disadvantaging students.
What Are Section 21 and Non-Section 21 Schools?
According to MEC Matome Chiloane, Gauteng schools are categorized into:
- Section 21 Schools: Managed by School Governing Bodies (SGBs), which handle payments for utilities.
- Non-Section 21 Schools: Managed by the Gauteng Department of Education, which is responsible for service payments.
The data reveals that while non-Section 21 schools owe an average of R52,000 per school, Section 21 schools have a far greater burden, averaging R700,000 per school.
Impact on Education
The financial strain is reflective of poor monitoring and management by the Gauteng Department of Education. The overdue debt, spanning 30 to 120 days, has sparked criticism from political parties like the DA. Michael Waters highlighted the double-edged impact of schools failing to pay municipalities already grappling with their financial challenges.
Lesufi’s call for service cuts has sparked debate. While he advocates for strict measures, he also insists on considerate timing to minimize disruptions to students’ learning, particularly during exams.
Steps Taken to Address the Crisis
Department spokesperson Steve Mabona confirmed that the department is working towards servicing the debt. Allocations have been transferred to Section 21 schools, placing responsibility on SGBs to clear outstanding amounts.
Despite these assurances, questions sent to the MEC’s office and the Department of Education remain unanswered, leaving stakeholders uncertain about long-term solutions.
The R262 million debt crisis highlights the critical need for better financial management and monitoring in Gauteng’s education system. As municipalities consider Premier Lesufi’s directive, the balance between enforcing accountability and safeguarding students’ education will be pivotal.
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