Empty promises leave Joburg schools broke
By Angelique Serrao
Schools in Gauteng haven't received their school subsidy and they can't pay their bills.
The Gauteng department of education's (GDE) financial year began in April, and schools expected funds soon after. Later, many schools - especially those in the poorest regions who can't collect fees - find themselves in financial difficulties.
This is a problem that recurs everytime.
Now the national department of education has suggested that legislation be changed to make sure all schools get their money before the start of each school year.
A principal from a no-fee school in Mamelodi, near Pretoria, who did not want to be named, said he did not know where to turn, as they had not a cent in the bank.
The primary school had received a subsidy in 2007. "It's so difficult to run a school on no money."
The principal said:
· The phone bill was in arrears and he feared the phone would be cut soon;
· Teachers, who had to go to workshops, were given transport money. He now could not pay for that;
· The service fee for machines was unpaid. Broken photocopiers could not be fixed;
· School maintenance couldn't be done;
· Children couldn't go on school trips; and
· Computers needed fixing.
The principal was aware from principals' meetings that all schools in the area had the same problem. He tried to complain to the GDE numerous times but kept being referred to a different person.
Kathy Callaghan from a parent association, the Governors' Alliance, found most schools in Gauteng had not received funds.
The GDE told her there was a glitch in the system and schools would get money before the third term. Schools opened and many had not received funds.
"Schools are really suffering because of this," said Callaghan.
The problem had become so big that the national Department of Education had become involved.
"We had a meeting with them and were told they were considering legislation that would set dates by which provincial departments would be obliged to pay."
Education department deputy director-general Firoz Patel said he had received complaints about the transfer of money to schools countrywide. He confirmed that legislation was being considered.
GDE spokesperson Nanagolo Leopeng said they would investigate the delays.
This article was originally published on page 1 of The Star on July 22, 2008
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