A Soweto primary school's struggle with costly generator fuel highlights broader issues in Gauteng's education system, while parents across South Africa report concerning practices of mandatory 'donations' at no-fee schools.

In a surprising turn of events, ActionSA has revealed that Julius Sebolai Primary School in Bram Fischerville, Soweto a no-fee-paying school is being forced to spend R8,000 on fuel for electricity every two days just to keep the lights on.

Education MEC Matome Chiloane revealed last year that schools owed municipalities over R262 million—R69 million by non-Section 21 schools and R192 million by Section 21 schools—for services rendered. Meanwhile, Premier Panyaza Lesufi urged municipalities to cut services to schools that were in debt.

These services included water, waste management, and electricity supply.

According to ActionSA, the Gauteng Education Department’s (GED) failure to settle its Eskom payments has forced the school to rely on costly diesel generators for electricity.

The party said that emissions from the generators posed a health risk to both learners and teachers, while the high cost of diesel placed a significant financial strain on the school.

“The gas emissions from these generators pose a health risk to learners and educators, but at R8 000 for diesel every second day, it places significant strain on the school’s budget – money that should be redirected on other educational needs to further the learners’ education,” ActionSA said in a statement.

The party has strongly urged the GED and municipalities to engage in immediate, honest discussions to find viable solutions that prioritise the educational needs and well-being of learners and educators. The party also emphasised the urgent need for an action plan to address the issue of non-payment to Eskom by all stakeholders

Meanwhile, more parents have come forward after The Star published an article exposing an illegal scheme by School Governing Bodies (SGBs) in low-income and no-fee-paying schools to enforce ‘donation fees’ and school fees.

One parent, speaking anonymously from the Free State, stated in an email that the ‘donation fee’ was getting out of control. They explained that parents were not only being forced to pay the fee but were also required to purchase up to four reams of Typek paper.

“As parents, we are forced to pay that donation money and again to buy the maximum of 4 Typek papers. If you don't adhere to that your child is not allowed to receive the books, in some schools the child is prevented from attending classes. And we are told it's free education, every child has the right to education. But it's not like that,” the email reads.

He also called for an investigation into the Thabo Mofutsanyana District in the Free State.

“Please do some investigation at #Thabo Mofutsanyane district in the Free State. Especially at Maluti a Phofung Municipality in QwaQwa.”

Another parent, who wished to remain anonymous, stated in an email that it had become the norm for schools in Gauteng to demand ‘donation fees’ or school fees. Specifically, a school in Thokozani required parents to pay fees ranging from R350 to R500

“It's a norm for the schools in Gauteng to do this and it has been happening for years. The above school is Buhlebuzile Secondary School in Thokozani and there has never been an agreement whatsoever at the Annual general meetings for such resolutions.”

Replying to The Star, Gauteng Department of Education spokesperson Steve Mabona stated that fundraising is solely the responsibility of the School Governing Body (SGB) at no-fee schools. One of the methods used to raise funds is through donations from parents.

“The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) can confirm that fundraising is the sole responsibility of the School Governing Body (SGB) at no-fee schools and one of the methods for raising funds is through donations from parents.

“It must be noted that during their respective Annual General Meetings (AGM), parents vote on resolutions to support the school’s initiative to augment the GDE-allocated funds through these donations. Accordingly, the said donations can be made throughout the year or as a one-time payment and parents are encouraged to make donations,” he said.

He added that no child should be denied school registration or have their results withheld because their parents cannot afford to pay a donation.

The Star

masabata.mkwananzi@inl.co.za