The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has confirmed that it has provided the necessary funds to all schools for payment of their respective municipal billing accounts.
In a statement on Thursday, the provincial department said the funds were transferred to the accounts of all identified schools in June 2025.
“The Department wishes to reiterate that, in line with legislation, schools - specifically those granted Section 21 functions - are entrusted with managing their own finances. These schools are responsible for a range of functions, including the payment of municipal services such as electricity and water,” it said.
Once funds have been transferred, the schools and their respective School Governing Body (SGB) assume full responsibility in ensuring that their municipal accounts are settled and paid on time to avoid water and electricity cuts.
In addition to allocating funds, the GDE provides oversight and support to these schools, having previously settled outstanding accounts on behalf of schools in April 2025. The department also provides financial management training to schools and SGBs to convey and educate on the importance of compliance of all relevant financial processes.
It further added that it remains committed to maintaining a conducive learning and teaching environment in all schools and continues to work with school leadership structures to ensure sound financial governance and uninterrupted access to basic services in its institutions.
“No public school in Gauteng is currently, or will ever be, disconnected from water and electricity services now and in the near future. Schools must work hand in hand with the GDE to continue achieving this by ensuring their municipal accounts are up to date at all times, and that they comply to all necessary procedures,” said Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane.
The MEC called on parents, communities, and stakeholders to support schools and their School Governing Bodies in executing their duties not just responsibly; but to the benefit of all learners, educators, and school-based staff. -SAnews.gov.za
