Jobs for cash, missing millions and fire chaos: Gauteng education responds to school scandals

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has addressed a series of concerns involving Unity Secondary School in Daveyton, a fire incident at Riverlea High School, and challenges in funding for Schools of Specialisation (SoS).

The department on Monday acknowledged allegations that teaching posts were being sold at Unity Secondary School.

The case dates back to a 2024 complaint alleging that a R17 000 deposit was made into a teacher’s account in exchange for employment.

“The implicated teacher denied any involvement, and with no further cooperation from the complainant, the matter was closed due to a lack of evidence,” the GDE said.

The department also responded to claims that parents were forced to pay R450 for student report cards.

It said this was “a voluntary donation, agreed upon at the Annual General Meeting”, which aligns with Section 37(1) of the South African Schools Act.

Complaints about the School Governing Body’s (SGB) financial practices prompted a governance intervention in April.

“All SGB members were granted access to the school’s financial statements, and communication structures were strengthened,” said the GDE.

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Decline in pass rates and staffing shortages

The department acknowledged a decrease in the school’s matric pass rate from 98% in 2020 to 86% in 2024.

In response, it has rolled out teacher development programmes and learner support through the Secondary School Intervention Programme (SSIP).

Staffing shortages remain an issue.

“The school currently has two vacant departmental head (DH) posts and one vacant deputy principal post,” the statement confirmed.

A mid-year appointment is expected for the deputy principal position.

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Riverlea High fire under investigation

Riverlea High School sustained significant infrastructure damage after a fire broke out on 27 April.

Investigations by the South African Police Service (Saps) forensic unit are ongoing.

While five mobile classrooms were delivered to reduce disruptions, the department confirmed that “no expenditures to report at this time” for the R2.5 million repair plan.

The school had limited fire safety infrastructure, and the last fire safety inspection was not recorded before the incident.

Fire blankets and basic firefighting training were introduced after the fire, and further collaboration with emergency services is planned for later this year.

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Specialisation schools face budget constraints

Funding for SoS schools has been reduced due to broader budgetary constraints.

However, the department said it “continues to pay salaries for all state-employed educators and supports infrastructure costs, excluding minor maintenance.”

The GDE reiterated that schools can supplement resources through fundraising.

“Any additional needs are to be addressed through the school’s fundraising initiatives,” the statement read.

The department urged collaboration with SGBs and stakeholders to improve accountability and learning outcomes.

“These issues are being attended to with the necessary diligence,” it said.

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