The Northern Cape Education Department paid R22 million to keep classroom lights on.
Image: File picture
THE NORTHERN Cape Department of Education said R22 million has been paid towards assisting schools that are struggling to pay their municipal service costs.
Department spokesperson Geoffrey van der Merwe stated that this intervention was crucial in preventing electricity disconnections at schools, which could have negatively impacted their operations.
He added that this was part of the successful disbursement of R100 million to schools as part of the norms and standard allocations.
“These funds have been allocated for essential needs, including learning and teaching support materials, municipal services, special schools, hostel subsidies, early childhood development (ECD) centres and learner transport,” said Van der Merwe.
He added that the department was in ongoing communication with the Provincial Treasury to ensure the timely disbursement of funds to schools in the new financial year.
“With this matter now resolved, we urge all our stakeholders and partners in education to unite in our efforts to improve learner outcomes and the overall quality of education. Our department officials are working diligently to provide continuous support to schools and learners,“ he said.