IN CONVERSATION WITH TEBOGO MASHILOMPANE
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Gauteng schools are facing a severe financial crisis, with R971 million in Norms and Standards funding still unpaid months after allocations were due. Evidence presented to the Gauteng Legislature shows that 3,647 schools were owed R2.081 billion in May, but only R1.110 billion has been paid. Special schools are among the hardest hit, with 129 institutions still owed R250.9 million, leaving them unable to purchase essential teaching materials or sustain planned programmes.
The crisis reflects a deeper deterioration in the province’s financial position. Gauteng Provincial Treasury, which previously had reserves to buffer schools, has now depleted those funds, resulting in delays that force schools to scramble for ways to meet obligations like utilities and service providers. Teachers and learners are left worrying about whether classrooms will have electricity or water, instead of focusing on education.
At the same time, accountability in the education sector is under scrutiny. The Forum for South Africa (FORUM4SA) has raised concerns about reports of a dispute between Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube and Director-General Mathanzima Mweli over lifestyle audits. While other senior officials have reportedly agreed to participate, Mweli’s refusal has sparked debate about transparency and whether powerful figures can be exempt from scrutiny. FORUM4SA insists that no official should be above accountability, calling for lifestyle audits to be applied consistently across government.
The crisis reflects a deeper deterioration in the province’s financial position. Gauteng Provincial Treasury, which previously had reserves to buffer schools, has now depleted those funds, resulting in delays that force schools to scramble for ways to meet obligations like utilities and service providers. Teachers and learners are left worrying about whether classrooms will have electricity or water, instead of focusing on education.
At the same time, accountability in the education sector is under scrutiny. The Forum for South Africa (FORUM4SA) has raised concerns about reports of a dispute between Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube and Director-General Mathanzima Mweli over lifestyle audits. While other senior officials have reportedly agreed to participate, Mweli’s refusal has sparked debate about transparency and whether powerful figures can be exempt from scrutiny. FORUM4SA insists that no official should be above accountability, calling for lifestyle audits to be applied consistently across government.
