The department also confirmed that the Principal of Horcool WaterCloff is facing a disciplinary process.
The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has continued to address cases around school function transfer, disciplinary procedures and fire security in schools.
On Monday, the department addressed several concerns, including allegations of teacher positions at Unity Secondary School, Fire Inspector at Riverly High School and funding challenges for expertise schools.
Additionally, GDE on Tuesday formally transferred the responsibility of paying municipal accounts in schools at Aldorado Park.
Schools get control over municipal payment
It comes after some school governing bodies (SGBS) temporarily accepted work in April 2024 due to “poor financial management”.
As DepartmentThe transfer was in line with the South African School Act.
“Six fees-paying schools at Aldolardo Park were formally informed in 2023 that the responsibility (…) would be returned to them. Nine no-la-schools received a similar notification in 2025,” said this.
The department clarified that, legally, the head of the department can withdraw or restore such tasks without consultation.
“Section 21 of the School Act allows schools to apply for additional tasks; Such tasks do not require consultation before restoring or withdrawing,” read the statement.
Schools are now encouraged to improve their financial management systems and fulfill their obligations “raising additional funds under Section 36 of the Act”.
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Principal of Hor School WaterCloff under investigation
The department also confirmed that the Principal of Horcool WaterClone was facing a disciplinary process after allegations of unfair conduct.
The principal was placed on 12 September 2024 on 12 September 2024 on a precautionary transfer in the district office.
The department said, “The sensitivity of the case and disciplinary hearing is still pending, the full details of the allegations (…) cannot be disclosed at this time,” the department said.
The hearing is being managed by the Education Labor Relations Council (ELRC).
The principal has returned to school since then, and no official complaint of the victim has been reported.
GDE said clear complaint procedures are applicable and “closely monitoring the matter”.
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Fire safety is a concern in Gauteng schools
Between 2021/22 and 2025/26, 29 fire incidents were reported in Gauteng schools.
GDE reported that six schools were repaired at a cost of R9.3 million, while ten others were supported through insurance or donations.
13 schools are yet to be repaired, with their cases referred to Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development for evaluation.
GDE stated that many schools have “limited fire safety infrastructure,” although high -risk institutions have been provided fire fighting equipment.
The department said, “Fire and emergency response training is provided to learners and teachers through recognized programs.”
However, inspections suggest that many schools still have a lack of functional fire alarms and proper fire fighting equipment.
“The department is committed to safety training and expansion of infrastructure … to ensure that all schools meet minimal business health and safety (OHS) standards,” the statement states.
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