Maile warns municipalities disconnecting water, power at schools

Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile has issued a strong warning to municipalities that disconnected water and electricity at public schools. He has vowed to pursue legal action to shield schools from what he calls irresponsible behavior. Maile addressed the media, revealing that the department has already received nearly 500,000 applications for the upcoming 2027 academic year. This influx adds strain to an already strained education system and overcrowded schools.

The MEC has urged municipalities to reconnect any school whose utilities have been severed. He states that the department covers school utilities but is contemplating centralizing the process to avoid schools being caught in a conflict between municipalities and government. "It is very irresponsible, reckless, and it shows lack of leadership on the part of municipalities for disconnecting schools.

That's why, in the meantime, I am warning municipalities for the last time today. Whatever school that is disconnected must be reconnected. If they don't do that, we are going to explore our legal options," he emphasized.

The warning comes amid growing pressure on the Gauteng Education Department due to rising learner numbers. The department has received 451,000 applications for the 2027 academic year, with the number being regularly monitored as more learners are expected to enter the system. Maile tracks the placement of these learners weekly using the Screening, Identification, Assessment, and Support (SIAS) system. However, infrastructure remains a significant challenge for the department, with school furniture shortages.

School safety is another top priority for Maile. He has conducted searches and seizures at schools, including a recent operation in Carletonville, with more planned. The department is also spending R165 million on school patrollers and collaborating with the Community Safety Department and the South African Police Service (SAPS) on additional measures. Anti-bullying interventions and misconduct measures are also being prioritized, with safety matters assigned to the education support and curriculum functions.

The department estimates that at least R35 billion is needed to build 200 new schools to address chronic overcrowding and stabilize the under-pressure network. On average, Gauteng experiences an influx of 50,000 to 100,000 migrating learners each year. The department asserts that every intervention remains a priority, as infrastructure, overcrowding, furniture, safety, staffing, and connectivity all compete for limited resources.

For the moment, the immediate challenge is clear — finding space, teachers, and resources for the hundreds of thousands of learners seeking admission to Gauteng's schools next year.