Gauteng MEC Chiloane

In a frank and heated meeting with school leaders, Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane has voiced strong frustration over parents who send their children to fee-paying schools but fail to pay the required fees. Chiloane pointed out that many of these parents seem to afford expensive luxuries like high-cost school transport, overseas trips, and even driving flashy cars, yet claim they cannot cover school costs. The MEC made these comments during a key gathering with principals and School Governing Body (SGB) members from all fee-paying schools in the province, held to discuss financial challenges and ways to improve collection rates. This issue highlights ongoing struggles in Gauteng’s education system, where non-payment affects school operations and the quality of learning for thousands of children.
Chiloane’s remarks come at a time when schools are facing budget pressures, and the department is pushing for better accountability from parents. With many families battling economic hardships, the MEC stressed that genuine cases of need should be supported, but deliberate avoidance by those who can pay is unacceptable. As South Africa works to improve access to education, this debate raises questions about fairness, parental responsibility, and how schools can sustain themselves without leaving vulnerable learners behind.
The Crucial Meeting: Addressing Non-Payment Head-On
The meeting brought together principals and SGB representatives from every fee-paying school in Gauteng to tackle pressing issues like unpaid fees and the department’s financial support. Chiloane used the platform to update attendees on subsidies owed to schools under the norms and standards for school funding. He made it clear that schools cannot rely on extra government bailouts in the coming years, urging them to find creative ways to manage finances.
“We need to be frank with you… there is no knight in shining armour with a bag of gold coming. Not in the next two to three years,” Chiloane said. He encouraged principals to be innovative in keeping their schools running, but his main focus was on the role of parents in meeting their obligations. The MEC argued that non-payment is not always due to poverty, but sometimes a choice, especially when parents prioritise other expenses.
Examples of Parental Priorities: Luxuries Over Fees
Chiloane gave real-life examples to back his point, showing how some parents find money for non-essentials but skip school payments. “If a parent can pay R2,000 every month for a child’s taxi or transport, you can’t tell me that parent can’t pay R900 in school fees. It’s not true,” he stated. He noted that children from these families often come to school with pocket money and the latest gadgets, further questioning claims of hardship.
One story stood out: a parent driving a Porsche complained when a school used money paid for a child’s trip to cover overdue fees. “He then called me and said what the school did was wrong… That shows you the mindset – parents can afford,” Chiloane explained. He added that if schools plan overseas trips, parents who owe fees suddenly find the cash, proving they have the means but choose not to prioritise education costs.
The MEC also highlighted how this affects schools, leading to financial strain and sometimes collapse. “Our schools are collapsing – in their numbers, and quickly. It’s a sad situation,” he warned.
Challenges with SGBs and Governance Issues
Chiloane did not hold back on problems within schools themselves. He criticised some SGBs for not helping enough, saying they can be “problematic” and fail to support efforts to collect fees or manage finances well. “There must be efficiency across the system,” he urged, calling for better teamwork between principals, SGBs, and parents.
He stressed that governance must improve to ensure schools run smoothly and focus on teaching rather than chasing unpaid bills.
Future Plans: Transparency in Admissions and Ongoing Support
Looking ahead, Chiloane announced changes to make the system fairer. From next year, the Grade 1 and Grade 8 online admissions will show each school’s fee structure upfront. This way, parents know the costs before choosing, avoiding later complaints. “When parents apply, I don’t want them to come back and say, ‘You placed my child in this school.’ A parent applied for a primary school in this area, and when she had to pay the R14,000 registration fee, she called me and said, ‘They want money from me,’” he shared.
The MEC promised continued support for schools, saying the department will work with them to stabilise finances. “We will be working with you along this journey. I’m not saying that after this meeting we abandon you,” he assured.
Chiloane will brief the public on Thursday, 4 December 2025, about Grade 1 and 8 placements for 2026, including updates on the National Senior Certificate exams.
Broader Context: School Fees and Economic Pressures in Gauteng
Gauteng has over 2,000 public schools, many fee-paying in wealthier areas, while no-fee schools serve poorer communities. But even in fee-paying schools, some parents struggle due to job losses or rising costs. The department offers exemptions for those who qualify, based on income, but Chiloane believes abuse of this system is widespread.
Nationally, non-payment is a big issue, with schools owed billions. In Gauteng, it’s estimated at over R4 billion, affecting teacher hires, maintenance, and resources. This meeting is part of efforts to recover funds while supporting needy families.
Education experts say while Chiloane’s points are valid, schools need better ways to help parents in real hardship, like flexible payments or community funds. With unemployment at 32%, many families face tough choices between fees and basics.
For parents, the message is clear: prioritise education. But for the department, it’s about balancing firmness with compassion to keep kids in school. As 2026 approaches, these talks could shape how fees are handled province-wide.

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Gauteng MEC Chiloane

Gauteng MEC Chiloane Slams Parents Driving Luxury Cars While Dodging School Fees

Gauteng MEC Chiloane

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