The Gauteng Department of Education, in partnership with Mogale City hosted a community engagement session in Munsieville this week as part of the provincial ‘It Takes a Village to Raise a Child’ campaign. The initiative seeks to strengthen collaboration between government, communities and key stakeholders in addressing issues affecting schools and learners across Gauteng.
The engagement was led by Gauteng MEC for Education and Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Lebogang Maile, together with Mogale City Mayor Lucky Sele. The platform enabled learners, teachers, school governing bodies and residents to engage directly with government, identify challenges within local schools and propose practical solutions to improve learning outcomes and safeguard educational institutions.
Key concerns raised during the session included the need for additional schools, improved infrastructure and sporting facilities, overcrowded classrooms, the mismanagement of school finances, and labour relations challenges that often leave schools without accounting officers for extended periods.
Addressing stakeholders, MEC Maile reaffirmed the Gauteng Provincial Government’s commitment to enhancing the quality of education and improving school infrastructure despite ongoing budgetary constraints.
He further announced that the department is developing a policy aimed at strengthening financial management and procurement processes in schools. The policy is expected to minimise disputes between principals, school governing bodies and communities while promoting greater accountability and transparency.
The engagement forms part of an ongoing provincial programme designed to encourage active community participation in shaping the future of education and finding sustainable solutions to challenges affecting schools across Gauteng.