Note to editors: Please find attached soundbite by Sergio Isa Dos Santos MPL.
Matric learners sitting for their final examinations may face disruptions due to water and electricity disconnections at some Gauteng schools due to unpaid utility debt. The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng demands that the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) MEC Matome Chiloane urgently intervene and prevent any disconnection of utility services at schools during the examination period.
Schools such E.W. Hobbs Primary in Eldorado Park and Filadelfia Secondary LSEN School in Soshanguve have recently had their services cut resulting in disruption to teaching and learning during this crucial time in the academic calendar.
Many schools including the above are facing growing financial difficulties as their allocations for utilities fall far short of their monthly municipal bills, resulting in increasing debt owed to municipalities. The announcement of budget cuts to quintile 5 schools will worsen the situation, significantly affecting their finances. These fee-paying schools are under tremendous pressure as many struggle with low school fee collection rates.
While we acknowledge that municipal accounts must be paid in full, disconnections during exams should be avoided. Education is a fundamental right, and no learner should be punished for administrative or financial issues they have no control over.
The DA has formally written to MEC Chiloane requesting that his department urgently engage all municipalities to restore services where disconnected and prevent further disconnections until after the exam and assessment period.
A DA-led Gauteng Provincial Government would have established an intergovernmental committee to monitor and flag growing school debt, request municipalities to investigate elevated or incorrect billing and ensure solutions before services are disconnected.
The DA will continue to advocate for a sustainable, coordinated approach that safeguards both the right to education and the financial viability of our schools. In all of this, we will prioritise the wellbeing of our children as their future is our top priority.