Learners across South Africa will return to school on Tuesday, 22 July, as the third term of the 2025 academic year kicks off after the mid-year break.
The Department of Basic Education has confirmed that Term 3 will run from 22 July to 3 October, forming part of the 200 school days scheduled this year.
The school year began on 15 January and will end on 10 December. So far, the calendar has included two full terms, with learners enjoying a 27-day winter break since schools closed on 27 June. The fourth and final term will begin on 13 October and conclude just before the festive season school holidays.
Municipal bills spark concern in Gauteng schools
As learners prepare to return from the school holidays, concerns about municipal services in Gauteng schools remain in the spotlight. According to DA MPL Sergio Isa dos Santos, 536 schools in the province have faced water or electricity disconnections since January due to unpaid municipal accounts.
“More alarming is the confirmation that these schools collectively owe over R58 586 285,04, an amount the department admits it could not settle in the 2024/2025 financial year,” said dos Santos.
Furthermore, he added that the department has promised to clear the debt by 30 June 2025, but “no evidence has been provided to confirm this.”
Education department assures that funds were allocated
In response to mounting criticism, the Gauteng Department of Education said it had already disbursed the necessary funds to all affected schools. Also, the Spokesperson, Steve Mabona, confirmed that all designated schools received the money in June.
“The department wishes to confirm that it has provided the necessary funds to all schools for payment of their respective municipal billing accounts,” said Mabona.
“Once funds have been transferred, the schools and their respective school governing bodies assume full responsibility for ensuring that their municipal accounts are settled and paid on time.”
As schools reopen soon, are financial and infrastructure challenges being addressed fast enough to ensure uninterrupted learning for all learners?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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