Gauteng Education Confronts School Bus Attack, Irregular Expenditure, and Infrastructure Challenges

Image: Supplied

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) is grappling with a series of pressing issues, ranging from violent attacks on learners to irregular expenditure in key programmes and ongoing infrastructure challenges at schools.

MEC Condemns Attack on School Bus

Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane has strongly condemned an alleged attack on a school bus transporting learners from Silver Oaks Secondary School in Freedom Park on Wednesday, 12 November 2025.

According to reports, a group of boys armed with pangas attacked the bus upon its arrival in the area. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, while the Department engages parents of injured learners to provide necessary support.

“We are concerned about this violent incident. The safety of our learners is non-negotiable, and we urge all communities to work with law enforcement to prevent such attacks,” said MEC Chiloane. “The Department is working closely with the bus service provider, school management, and local authorities to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all learners.”

Irregular Expenditure in Security Procurement

The GDE has acknowledged R106 million in irregular expenditure incurred during emergency procurement of security services. The urgent intervention was triggered by threats to learner and educator safety, requiring immediate deployment of security personnel.

While the Department invoked emergency provisions under the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), a compliance review later found that certain procedural requirements were not fully adhered to. This resulted in the expenditure being classified as irregular.

The responsible official has been placed on precautionary suspension pending investigation, and corrective measures are being implemented to strengthen compliance and prevent recurrence. All service providers appointed were PSIRA-accredited and met regulatory requirements.

Irregular Expenditure in School Nutrition Programme

The Department also confirmed R739 million in irregular expenditure under the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP), following a 2024 court ruling that invalidated the procurement award.

The court found that not all bidders had extended the validity of their bids and that the evaluation process failed to assess price and specific goals as required. Despite the irregular classification, learners continued to receive meals without interruption.

The Department has since introduced corrective measures to ensure strict compliance with procurement legislation in future tenders.

Infrastructure Matters at Orange Farm and Finetown Schools

The GDE addressed concerns about zoning and infrastructure at Orange Farm Secondary and Finetown Secondary schools.

• Orange Farm Secondary School is confirmed to be properly zoned for educational use, requiring no rezoning.

• Finetown Secondary School, however, faces a land subdivision discrepancy, with part of its site occupied by residential properties. The City of Johannesburg is responsible for rectifying this error.

  
  

The Department has committed to replacing both schools with permanent brick-and-mortar facilities that meet national norms and standards, including classrooms, laboratories, and sporting amenities. Both projects are currently at the Site Suitability Study stage, with construction timelines dependent on financial resources and condition assessments.

A Department Under Pressure

The Gauteng Department of Education finds itself balancing immediate crises with long-term commitments. From ensuring learner safety in the face of violent attacks, to addressing irregular expenditure and advancing infrastructure projects, the Department infrastructure at Orange Farm Secondary and Finetown Secondary schools.

• Orange Farm Secondary School is confirmed to be properly zoned for educational use, requiring no is under pressure to deliver stability and accountability.

  
  

MEC Chiloane reiterated that rezoning.

• Finetown Secondary School, however, faces a land subdivision discrepancy, with part of its site occupied by residential properties. The City of Johannesburg is responsible for rectifying this error.

  
  

The Department has committed to replacing both schools with permanent brick-and-mortar facilities that meet national norms and standards, including classrooms, laboratories, and sporting amenities. Both projects are currently at the Site Suitability Study stage, with construction timelines dependent on financial resources and condition assessments.

A Department Under Pressure

The Gauteng Department of Education finds itself balancing immediate crises with long-term commitments. From ensuring learner safety in the face of violent attacks, to addressing irregular expenditure and advancing infrastructure projects, the Department is under pressure to deliver stability and accountability.

MEC Chiloane reiterated that the safety and wellbeing of learners remain the Department’s top priority, while corrective measures are being rolled out to strengthen governance and compliance across all programmes.