JOHANNESBURG, Gauteng – Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile has announced a comprehensive probe into widespread corruption, financial mismanagement, and procurement irregularities affecting public schools across the province. During a recent media briefing, Maile and department spokesperson Neria Hlakotsa outlined the ongoing efforts to strengthen accountability, tackle governance failures, and hand over implicated school staff to law enforcement.
Alarming Financial Losses and Fraud Tactics
Providing a detailed breakdown of the crisis, spokesperson Neria Hlakotsa revealed that internal investigations have uncovered 41 cases of fraud, corruption, and maladministration. Hlakotsa noted a troubling timeline of offenses: 22 cases were recorded in 2023, 13 in 2025, and six additional cases have been logged as of June this year.
The financial impact on specific institutions has been severe. Hlakotsa highlighted that investigators found 1 million rand misappropriated at a single primary school, while a high school recorded an overspending of 2 million rand.
The spokesperson detailed the fraudulent methods being utilized by school officials, which include inflated invoices, duplicate quotations, unauthorized withdrawals, and cash payments lacking any supporting documentation. Furthermore, schools are failing to declare legitimate income streams. Hlakotsa explained that public donations and funds generated from hiring out school halls are being kept off the books by officials, a direct violation of financial regulations.
Internal Perpetrators and Whistleblowers
Contrary to fears of external threats, Hlakotsa emphasized that the corruption is being driven from within the educational institutions. The perpetrators include principals, teachers, general school staff, and School Governing Body (SGB) members.
According to the spokesperson, the investigations were largely triggered by community members who blew the whistle on the suspicious activities occurring at their local schools. As part of consequence management, the department has already initiated internal disciplinary processes, resulting in the dismissal and withdrawal of several SGB members from their posts. Hlakotsa confirmed that following these internal assessments, the gathered evidence is now being formally handed over to law enforcement for prosecution.
Scholar Transport Fraud and Asset Theft
Beyond direct school finances, the probe has uncovered irregularities in the scholar transport sector. Hlakotsa explained that operators have been found misrepresenting both the quality and the quantity of their vehicles—such as claiming to have three cars when they only possess two—which directly compromises learner safety and defrauds the department.
Additionally, the department is battling the theft of essential educational resources and nutrition supplies. Hlakotsa noted that school desks and groceries intended for the national school nutrition program are being stolen directly from the premises by internal staff.
Scope of the Investigation
MEC Maile, who oversees just over 2,000 public schools in the province, noted that the current investigations were initiated based on specific tip-offs and complaints.
Conveying the MEC’s message, Hlakotsa emphasized that the matter cannot be left unchecked, as the findings indicate a systemic problem within Gauteng schools. She urged the public to continue holding the department accountable, assuring residents that the department is transparently addressing these issues and actively working to clean up the education system.
