GDE says nearing final phase of settling over R426m municipal debt owed by schools
It confirms that more than R400 million has already been paid, with the outstanding 0.5% expected to be cleared by August.
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JOHANNESBURG - The Gauteng Department of Education said it's nearing the final phase of settling over R426 million in municipal debt owed by schools in the province.
It confirms that more than R400 million has already been paid, with the outstanding 0.5% expected to be cleared by August.
Currently, the department retains direct financial oversight of 40 schools that have not been granted Section 21 functions, which allow the school governing bodies (SGBs) authority to manage their finances and resources directly.
The Gauteng Department of Education said from 30 June, the schools collectively owed more than R100,000 in municipal debt.
The department has confirmed that none of the schools experienced any water or electricity disconnections and continues to monitor and manage service payments on their behalf.
“We provide annual allocations to schools to make sure that they settle their accounts on a continuous basis,” said spokesperson Steve Mabona.
The department said it’s ensured that no public school in Gauteng is or will be disconnected from water and electricity due to unpaid accounts.