Mapaballo Borotho

- The Gauteng Department of Education has allocated R2.8 billion in the 2025/26 financial year to tackle school overcrowding.
- A Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model is being considered to speed up infrastructure delivery and ensure long-term sustainability.
- Meanwhile, the department has settled R426.27 million of municipal debts owed by schools, with the remaining balance set to be cleared by early August 2025.
The Gauteng Department of Education has allocated R2.8 billion in the 2025/26 financial year to address overcrowding in schools through extensive infrastructure investments.
According to departmental spokesperson Steve Mabona, the budget will be distributed as follows:
• R1.489 billion for the construction of new schools.
• R615 million for upgrades and additions, including mobile classrooms and self-build projects.
• R166 million for refurbishment and rehabilitation.
• R476 million for maintenance interventions.
Mabona explained that the department’s approach includes building new schools on available sites and deploying mobile classrooms to alleviate pressure in high-demand areas.
“Importantly, the Department confirms that mobile classrooms are procured directly and not through monthly lease agreements, ensuring cost-effectiveness in their deployment.
“In addition, the Department is exploring a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to accelerate school infrastructure delivery. Under this model, private partners would finance, design, and construct schools—and possibly operate or maintain them for a set period—while the Department repays the costs over time. This approach aims to unlock private capital, speed up delivery timelines, and ensure sustainability under strict public oversight,” Mabona said.
The department previously reported that the average class size in Gauteng is 39 pupils per classroom. Primary schools average 38, while secondary schools average 39.
Education MEC Matome Chiloane explained that overcrowding in schools is caused by infrastructure limitations and immigration.
Meanwhile, the Department has successfully settled R426.27 million in outstanding municipal debts owed by schools across the province.
This amount represents 99.95% of the total R426.45 million owed to municipalities and Eskom by schools without Section 21(1)(d).
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