Outgoing Gauteng education MEC Matome Chiloane at the launch of Vorentoe Sports School Of Specialisation on 19 March 2026 in Johannesburg. Picture: Gallo Images/Luba Lesolle As Matome Chiloane bows out as Gauteng education MEC, questions linger over whether his departure will leave a noticeable gap or bring relief in a department that has faced mounting criticism during his term in office. Upon his exit, the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) praised his leadership and commitment to advancing the sector.
One of the most pressing issues during Chiloane’s time in office was the failure to provide basic needs in schools. Several institutions faced water and electricity cuts as municipalities moved to recover unpaid bills. Reports revealed that the GDE owed municipalities millions, leavingschools vulnerable to service disruptions.
At the same time, some pupils were forced to learn in dire conditions, with reports of schools lacking desks, water and proper sanitation. The department also came under fire over abandoned and unused school buildings, even as overcrowding persisted in other areas. Transport issues further compounded frustrations.
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Unpaid invoices to service providers led to disruptions in scholar transport, leaving some pupils stranded. Despite this, the department did achieve amilestone in placing Grade 1 and Grade 8 pupilsfor the 2026 academic year, an area that has historically drawn criticism. School safetyalso remained a concern.
Incidents of bullying increased across Gauteng schools, while cases of alleged sexual misconduct by teachers added to public outrage. These incidents raised questions about whether enough was being done to protect pupils and restore confidence in the schooling system.
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