**Deportations Leave More Pupils Without Parents in South Africa**
A recent surge in deportations aimed at undocumented immigrants in South Africa has resulted in an increasing number of schoolchildren being left without parental guardians. This alarming trend was highlighted by Lebogang Maile, the Gauteng Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Sports, Arts, and Culture, during a session of the provincial legislature on Tuesday.
Maile addressed the pressing issue of undocumented learners, acknowledging the difficulties faced by children who find themselves without guardians due to the ongoing repatriation efforts. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive plan to address the situation, stating, “I have already asked the national department of education for a list of all the undocumented children in our schools at the instruction of the courts that we must accept them.” This initiative aims to identify the ages of these children and the schools they attend, as well as to evaluate the financial implications of providing support for their education.
In addition to the challenges posed by the presence of undocumented learners, Maile also raised concerns regarding corruption within schools. He noted that reports from recent visits to schools have highlighted this ongoing issue, indicating a need for transparency and accountability in the education sector. “We have received a report in this regard. This is coming up from the visits that we are having in the schools and communities,” he remarked.
The Gauteng Department of Education, which oversees a substantial budget of R70.9 billion, is tasked with addressing these multifaceted challenges. Maile pointed out that while the education sector's budget significantly surpasses that of sports, arts, and culture, which stands at just over R1.055 billion, it is crucial to protect and promote the province’s cultural heritage.
To this end, Maile announced plans to unveil eight new heritage sites, funded by a budget that includes R719.4 million from the Provincial Equitable Share and R336.3 million in Conditional Grants. He stated, “Our heritage work remains central to preserving the identity and memory of our people,” highlighting the importance of fostering a sense of community and belonging among residents, particularly the youth.
The MEC also underscored the vital role of libraries in promoting literacy and bridging the digital divide within communities. The department has allocated R297.6 million towards Library and Archival Services, which includes R194.8 million designated for municipalities to enhance community library services. “We are investing R2 million towards 160 computers for libraries and R5.1 million towards reading programmes aimed at strengthening literacy across Gauteng communities,” Maile added.
In addressing the broader challenges facing the education system, Maile pointed to issues such as rapid urbanization, overcrowding, and infrastructure backlogs, particularly in township and informal settlement schools. He acknowledged that these pressures necessitate innovative approaches to education delivery and infrastructure planning.
To combat these challenges, the Gauteng Department of Education plans to increase its budget from R68 billion in the 2025/26 fiscal year to R70.9 billion in 2026/27, marking an increase of R2.9 billion, or 4.3%. This budget enhancement is intended to support key interventions while maintaining a focus on quality, access, and equity in education.
As the situation unfolds, the Gauteng government faces the dual challenge of addressing the needs of undocumented learners while also tackling issues of corruption and infrastructure deficits in schools. The commitment to safeguarding the rights of all children, regardless of their immigration status, remains a critical aspect of the province's educational strategy moving forward.