Many challenges lie ahead for Gauteng department of education schools? Teachers who applied for posts last year should be starting in their new schools or positions.

Many challenges lie ahead for Gauteng department of education schools? Teachers who applied for posts last year should be starting in their new schools or positions.

Additional teachers are needed for the growing number of pupils who will be starting this term. Hopefully this will reduce crowded classrooms to 1:40 in primary and 1:35 in secondary schools.

Two-hundred-and-thirty-six schools from North West and Mpumalanga will now officially be part of the department.

Along with other schools, a schools register of needs will also be prepared.

We know there is a need for 200 new schools and the refurbishment of 1100 existing schools. The budget is hopelessly inadequate so parents and communities in growth areas will continue to plead for more classrooms or new schools.

Scholar transport will also demand more funds than the R55million budgeted. Some R77million is needed.

School safety and security also needs urgent attention.

All schools are unhappy with their subsidies. Poverty indexes must be reviewed. Schools pray that payments are made on time.

The department asks for more public-private partnership, but what incentives are offered?

David Quail, DA, education spokesman, Gauteng