The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has clarified matters relating to electricity debt owed by some public schools to municipalities, which led to service interruptions.

In a statement, the department refuted assertions that it had placed some schools under the burden of arrear accounts.

The department confirmed that schools were allocated funds in November specifically for them to settle their municipal obligations, including electricity accounts.

According to the GDE, it also previously communicated with school governing bodies on the decentralisation of the payment of municipal accounts, and their responsibility to ensure the relevant allocations were accordingly utilised to settle their municipal accounts and pay their monthly electricity consumption.

The department stated that it is therefore quite concerning that some schools are not paying their municipal accounts despite having received the necessary allocations and being aware of their responsibilities to pay them.

In Eldorado Park, for example, the department allocated the following funds in November to the mentioned schools for the purpose of paying their municipal accounts:

• Kliptown Primary: R233 167
• Heerengracht Primary: R358 739
• Eldorado Park Secondary: R523 503
• Eldomaine High School: R512 306

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The GDE urged all affected schools to engage municipalities, where applicable, to negotiate payment arrangements and work towards settling outstanding debt.

The department is currently facilitating processes for schools to receive their 2026/27 financial year allocations, which are expected to be delivered on or before May 15.

These allocations will assist schools in meeting their operational commitments, including municipal services.

In the meantime, the GDE will continue to engage municipalities to avoid cutting services, particularly as electricity supply interruptions may negatively affect teaching and learning.

“We wish to reiterate that we are engaging with all municipalities as this challenge is notably experienced across the province,” said Gauteng MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane.

“These engagements will assist schools in ensuring they consistently pay their accounts and that their payments and accounts remain accurate at all times.

“Going forward, schools must also ensure that they use the allocations they receive strictly for their intended purposes.”