Tebogo Monama

Tebogo Monama

The biggest problem that the Gauteng education department faces is the influx of people from other provinces and neighbouring countries.

So said Amon Msane, chairman of the education portfolio committee, at the tabling of the department's 2006-2007 report at the Gauteng legislature yesterday.

The department has received a clean audit for this financial year.

Msane said: "The reality is that migrants are less educated than Gauteng residents, and this puts pressure on social services and education."

Gauteng education MEC Angie Motshekga said: "2006-2007 has been extremely rewarding for the GDE."

Motshekga said: "As a department, we are trying to build well-rounded and decent people."

She said that the number of teachers at state schools has decreased by 1213 and in private schools teachers had increased by 845.

The department spends R6484 on each pupil.

The DA's David Quail said that the main challenges facing the department were: "Quality teachers, sufficient textbooks in all subjects for each pupil, and a better budget from both the national treasury and the provincial government."

The department was able to deliver textbooks and stationery to schools on time.

Motshekga said that nine schools around the province were investigated for financial irregularities and mismanagement of funds.

Five of the allegations were dismissed and the other four have turned into disciplinary inquiries.