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EZEKIEL PHALANA
ADDITIONAL INFO BY GDE
Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Lebogang Maile, has called on municipalities across the province to engage constructively with the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) before considering any water or electricity service disconnections at public schools.
The MEC made the call during a community engagement session held in Sebokeng and Bophelong under the Gauteng Department of Education and the Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation’s It Takes a Village to Raise a Child programme. The initiative brings together government, communities and key stakeholders to strengthen support for schools and improve educational outcomes across Gauteng.
Addressing hundreds of parents, School Governing Body members, principals and community leaders at Sebokeng Technical School Hall, MEC Maile expressed concern over complaints regarding repeated threats of service cut-offs by the Emfuleni Local Municipality.
Stakeholders reported instances where schools received municipal bills despite not having utility meters installed and raised concerns about a lack of clarity regarding the basis of the charges.
“I don’t understand why a municipality would find it easy to switch off services at a school and disrupt schooling. We will write to Emfuleni on these matters,” said MEC Maile.
The MEC emphasised that schools are centres of learning and development and that uninterrupted access to basic services is essential for maintaining a conducive teaching and learning environment. He reiterated the provincial government’s commitment to resolving billing disputes through engagement and cooperation rather than actions that negatively affect learners.
The engagement also highlighted concerns about overcrowding in schools across the region. Community members supported proposals to reopen decommissioned schools as a practical solution to increasing learner enrolment pressures. MEC Maile noted that the department is further exploring the acquisition and refurbishment of former missionary schools to expand access to quality education in high-demand areas.
On youth development, former Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Avril Phali encouraged government to continue investing in sport as a powerful tool to keep young people engaged and away from crime, substance abuse and other social challenges.
MEC Maile also addressed school safety, revealing that the province is considering the installation of classroom cameras as part of broader efforts to combat bullying, violence and criminal activity in schools.
The It Takes a Village to Raise a Child Community Engagement Programme will continue in Tshwane on 11 June 2026, where MEC Maile is expected to engage communities in Hammanskraal and Soshanguve on issues affecting education, sport, arts, culture and recreation.
The programme seeks to strengthen collaboration between government, communities and local stakeholders to identify solutions, protect schools and create environments where learners can thrive. Participants include youth formations, taxi associations, religious leaders, councillors, School Governing Bodies, community forums, sporting organisations, civic groups and other community leadership structures.
Through these engagements, the Gauteng Provincial Government continues to create meaningful platforms for direct dialogue, ensuring that the voices of communities remain central to the development of responsive and sustainable solutions for the education sector.
PICTURES BY GDE.