Gauteng schools lose 8,925 learning days due to electricity disconnections

The Gauteng Department of Education GDE confirmed this figure in a written reply by Education MEC Lebogang Maile to questions from the Democratic Alliance DA in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature. The primary cause for these disconnections was identified as non-payment by schools, with affected schools collectively owing R52.65 million to municipalities and other electricity service providers. GDE spokesperson Onwabile Lubhelwana stated that while the majority of schools remained operational despite the disconnections, there were minimal disruptions for schools utilizing smartboards and other electronic devices.

The DA, through its Gauteng education spokesperson Michael Waters, criticized the department's financial oversight, arguing that the electricity cuts disrupt essential learning tools and security systems. The DA plans to submit these legislative replies as supplementary evidence to the Public Protector in its ongoing complaint against the GDE regarding electricity disconnections. Waters also highlighted that the department admitted it does not maintain a central register of schools' outstanding debts, raising concerns about its ability to intervene before essential services are cut.