Gauteng Department of Education has revealed that it has offered financial assistance to fee and no-fee paying schools in Gauteng.
MEC for Education, Panyaza Lesufi has confirmed on Wednesday, while he was responding to questions posed by DA MPL Khume Ramulifho during a question and answer sitting at the Gauteng legislature.
Departmental spokesperson Steve Mabona, further communicated that: “We conducted an assessment which revealed that most of the parents are unable to pay the school fees due and schools were struggling to meet their financial obligations.”
He further added that the “bailout” covered electricity and water costs as some schools were on the verge of being disconnected from these services.
The department is finalising a list with the number of schools that were bailed out.
Other questions posed to the MEC related to preparations to accommodate all learners for the 2021 academic year.
Gauteng’s online admissions system has, since its inception, faced efficiency problems — January is a headache for many Gauteng parents who seek to have their children enrolled for the first time in Grade 8 and Grade 1 with an application system that is always overwhelmed.
The department said it was now better prepared than in previous years.
