The Gauteng Department of Education will review its decentralised funding model for schools after municipal debts reached R583.9 million by the end of March. Education MEC Lebogang Maile announced the review on 17 May 2026 following court orders to restore electricity to affected schools. The changes aim to prevent further disruptions to learning caused by unpaid bills.
Gauteng schools accumulated R583.9 million in municipal debt over 60 days by the end of March 2026. The City of Johannesburg accounted for R390.7 million of this total, with the City of Ekurhuleni owing R75.14 million and the City of Tshwane R51.7 million. Schools also owe Eskom R6.32 million.
Education MEC Lebogang Maile announced the review during a media briefing at Lyndhurst Primary School. He said rising costs and weak financial skills among school governing bodies had undermined the current model. Maile added that schools must focus on delivering the curriculum while experts handle administrative functions.
On 5 May 2026 the Pretoria High Court ordered Tshwane Municipality to restore electricity to schools cut off for nonpayment. The ruling followed an application by AfriForum and Laerskool Wierdapark. AfriForum’s Alana Bailey said the cuts violated learners’ rights to quality education and basic needs.
