Gauteng dept of education failing with just 1.3% of budget going on school repair backlog

Gauteng’s department of education faces a massive R31.3 billion maintenance backlog for school infrastructure while it is allocating just a fraction of the necessary funds for repairs in the current financial year.

The DA in Gauteng accused the provincial government of condemning pupils to crumbling classrooms due to the backlog.

“Pupils learn in unsafe, deteriorating buildings as officials ignore the crisis,” said the DA provincial spokesperson for education, Michael Waters.

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1.36% of funds allocated for repairs

This was revealed by education MEC Matome Chiloane in a written response to a DA question in the Gauteng provincial legislature.

According to documents seen by The Citizen, Chiloane said the infrastructure report completed in 2021 estimated that R27 billion was needed to restore schools to acceptable standards.

“Reactive maintenance is conducted when a school departmental officials or interested and affected parties raise issues.

“Unfortunately, the department is unable to cover all concerns, especially now due to budget cuts,” he said.

Despite the ballooning costs, the department has allocated only R427 million for maintenance in the 2024-25 financial year – just 1.36% of what is needed.

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Backlog

According to the report, the backlog breakdown is as follows:

• Basic services – R1 476 080 299;
• Curriculum – R10 364 458 989;
• Security – R2 817 661 853;
• Construction – R12 929 264 594; and
• Sport and recreation – R403 698 000.

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DA slams department

Reacting to the revelation, Waters said the department’s failure to maintain schools was condemning pupils to “unsafe, deteriorating buildings”.

“The department continues business as usual while schools crumble,” Waters said.

He added that premier Panyaza Lesufi’s promise to build 18 new schools during his State of the Province Address was “hollow”, given the administration’s inability to maintain existing infrastructure.

“A DA-led Gauteng government would give the education department direct control over its infrastructure and implement a comprehensive plan to address the maintenance backlog, ensuring timely repairs and quality education,” Waters said.

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Schools falling apart

Last month, the basic education minister revealed that South Africa needs R129 billion to fix school infrastructure backlogs by 2030.

She said over 13 000 schools require additional toilets, and over 6 000 schools lack a sustainable water supply.

“Far too many pupils still face daily risks to their health and safety because of inadequate school infrastructure.

“No child should have to use a dilapidated or dangerous toilet, sit on the floor without a desk, or study in a crumbling school building that poses a threat to their wellbeing.”

The department said it will continue to engage with stakeholders to explore funding solutions that will allow it to meet its mandate and “ensure that every child in South Africa learns in a safe, well-equipped, and dignified school environment”.

Additional reporting by Faizel Patel.

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