Gauteng schools at risk as security firms go unpaid

THE ongoing financial crisis engulfing the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has reached a critical point, with security service providers and school meal suppliers raising alarm over months of unpaid invoices, threatening the safety and well-being of learners across the province.

- THABO MAKWAKWA

Security firms contracted to protect high-risk schools have reportedly not received payment for several months some outstanding since October 2024, with the bulk unpaid since April 2025.

As a result, these providers were instructed to withdraw their security personnel by the end of June 2025, leaving vulnerable schools exposed to crime and violence.

Despite multiple reassurances, a security service provider speaking to IOL on Wednesday voiced frustration over the department's failure to fulfill its financial obligations.

"Instead, service providers were instructed to withdraw all security guards at the end of June 2025, even though payments remain outstanding.

"This decision has left many high-risk schools without protection, exposing learners, educators, and school infrastructure to crime, vandalism, and violence."

He further revealed the devastating impact on small businesses and employees:

"Hundreds of security guards, many of whom are breadwinners, have been left unpaid and unemployed due to the Department's failure to act responsibly.