JOHANNESBURG - Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile has criticised some mayors for what he calls 'reckless populist statements' and electioneering over school utility payments.
Maile said schools should not be disconnected over unpaid service bills.
He said the department already budgets close to R2-billion annually for these services.
"We shouldn't have mayors who make reckless populist statements. Ordinarily, there shouldn't be any school that is switched off. That's the first thing. However, it doesn't mean that schools must not pay for water and electricity.
"We spend close to R2billion on water and electricity in schools. I didn't put that amount here. And as you can see, what we owe them is far less than what we budget for. So, it's not an issue of affordability.
"You must put it that way, so that the department can afford to pay for water and electricity for all the schools. It's other issues. When you look at the statement, billing, estimates, historic debts, and all that. Mayors should not make populist and reckless statements, because they want to be seen to be working. Working does not mean you must disrupt learning and teaching," he said.
Maile added that education is now a privilege.
"Education services are not a privilege that is extended on the basis of financial ability. Education is a Constitutionally enshrined right that is extended to all children in our country, regardless of their social, economic background, or their geography.
"Our assertion that teaching and learning should not be interrupted is not intended to negate or minimize the importance of revenue generation on the part of municipalities. We recognize that municipal revenue is vital for funding essential public services, infrastructure development, and local economic growth, enabling municipalities to function effectively.