The Gauteng Department of Education has confirmed that six fee-paying schools in Eldorado Park were formally notified in 2023 that they are responsible for settling their municipal accounts. This comes amid reports that some schools face utility disconnections after the department stopped covering their water and electricity bills.
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane addressed the issue in a recent interview, stating that the department is working to settle outstanding municipal debts for all schools within the next three months.
Debt Consolidation and Payment Plan
Chiloane explained that the department had consolidated municipal debts owed by schools across the province and secured Treasury funding to clear them. “We have paid a portion of the debt and agreed with municipalities that the remaining amounts will be settled in the coming months,” he said.
However, he emphasized that fee-paying schools—which receive lower per-learner subsidies than no-fee schools—are expected to cover their utility costs using school fees. Meanwhile, no-fee schools receive higher allocations (approximately R1,600 per learner compared to R800 for fee-paying schools) and are also expected to manage their municipal accounts.
Concerns Over Disconnections
Reports indicate that some schools have received pre-termination notices for unpaid bills dating back three months, with debts reaching up to R4 million in certain cases. Chiloane acknowledged that some municipalities, like the City of Tshwane, have aggressive disconnection policies, but he assured that the department is intervening to prevent disruptions.
Controversy Over Responsibility
An SGB member from a no-fee school in Eldorado Park raised concerns, stating that their annual utility bill exceeds the department’s allocated funds, leaving a significant deficit. Chiloane responded that while schools are expected to budget for utilities, the department will step in for those facing genuine financial strain.
Assurance for No-Fee Schools
When pressed on whether no-fee schools would face disconnections, Chiloane assured that learning would not be disrupted. “Schools can’t operate in the dark, especially those using digital tools like tablets and smartboards,” he said. However, he reiterated that schools must manage their accounts responsibly, with the department providing support where necessary.
Next Steps
The department plans to finalize all outstanding payments within three months, aiming to give schools a “fresh start” with municipal services. Parents and educators will be watching closely to see if this commitment prevents further disconnection threats.
