South African schools face ongoing electricity challenges despite improvements

South Africa's public schools have continued to experience power outages despite recent improvements in the country's electricity system, according to data provided by Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube. Between April 2024 and March 2026, 397 schools faced prolonged or complete power interruptions, according to the minister.

The main causes cited were damaged infrastructure, transformer failures, vandalism, supply disruptions, and billing disputes. Eastern Cape Province accounted for the majority of affected schools, with 324 schools impacted. Gauteng, Free State, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Northern Cape and Western Cape provinces each reported between five and 19 affected schools.

Gwarube clarified that the figure does not represent the number of schools with no electricity at any given time, but rather the number of schools specifically identified as affected during the reporting period. Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa noted that while South Africa has made progress in stabilizing the electricity supply and reducing loadshedding, challenges remain in the distribution systems due to factors such as infrastructure strain, vandalism, and illegal connections.

The Department of Basic Education is responsible for ensuring that schools have appropriate electricity supply, which can be met through grid electricity, generators, solar power, or wind power. Provincial education departments have reported various interventions, including installing solar panels or temporary generators while permanent solutions are developed, and working with municipalities, Eskom, and other providers to restore power and repair damaged infrastructure.

Reliable electricity is crucial for schools, supporting teaching, learning, administration, security, and daily operations.