A security company is taking legal action against a fee-paying primary school in Pretoria to recover R400,000 in outstanding payments for their services protecting pupils and staff.
Attorney Riane Strijdom, who represents BMG Security, said action was being taken against Sunnyside Primary School after repeated attempts to obtain payment had failed.
The root cause of the financial dispute is an inability by the school to collect sufficient school fees from parents.
“My client has been providing security services at the school since 2010. Over the years, he has faced ongoing payment issues, with the school’s payments being inconsistent. This created serious challenges, as he had to cover costs for security guards, uniforms and fuel expenses that should have been met through timely payments from the client,” said Strijdom.
“If we proceed with execution, the sheriff will attach any executable assets belonging to the school.”
Gauteng education MEC Matome Chiloane, tabling the provincial education budget vote last month, said education extended beyond academic achievement. “With R2.9bn allocated, we recognise that schools must be sanctuaries of safety and centres of community,” he said.
Chiloane said a comprehensive approach to creating safe schools included the deployment of security to more than 1,500 schools in the province.
Provincial education spokesperson Steve Mabona said: “Information at our disposal reveals that the school did not collect sufficient school fees from parents, hence the default on payment. The school’s financial struggles are compounded by unpaid fees.”
Prof Lindelani Mnguni, dean of the faculty of education at the University of Pretoria, said it was important to maintain a safe and conducive learning environment.
“The lives and wellbeing of pupils and teachers must be the priority. In the South African context, where crime is significantly high, schools that enter into debt with essential service providers face several critical risks. First, the withdrawal of security services can expose pupils, staff and infrastructure to safety threats, particularly in high-crime areas,” Mnguni said.
This not only undermined the learning environment but could also damage a school’s reputation and erode public trust in the education system as a whole.
“It could also raise serious questions about the leadership and financial management capabilities of the school governing body [SGB] and the school management team. Prolonged legal or financial disputes can divert attention and resources away from core educational functions and towards legal fees or replacement service providers. Over time, these risks could jeopardise both learner wellbeing and educational outcomes.”
Prof Kathija Yassim from the University of Johannesburg’s department of education leadership and management, said legal action such as a warrant of execution could result in the attachment of school assets, including essential education equipment and infrastructure.
“This not only affects the school’s ability to function but also undermines the constitutional right to basic education,” Yassim said.
She noted that financial disputes were becoming increasingly common in South African state schools, particularly in underresourced areas.
“A study by Rangongo and others found that financial mismanagement often stems from a lack of financial literacy among the SGB, poor oversight and the absence of clear financial policies. Misappropriation of funds and failure to act against financial misconduct are recurring problems,” she said.
“These disputes highlight systemic weaknesses in governance and oversight, especially in no-fee schools where the SGB may lack the skills to manage complex financial responsibilities.
“If assets are attached, such as computers, furniture or vehicles, it can severely disrupt teaching, administration and learner support services. In Gauteng, similar financial crises have led to electricity and water cut-offs at hundreds of schools, forcing closures and sending pupils home. Such disruptions disproportionately affect disadvantaged communities and compromise learners’ right to a safe and conducive learning environment.”
Strijdom said legal proceedings were under way. “If we receive no response or proof of payment, we will proceed with the execution process, and further costs will be incurred.”
Mabona said the matter had been referred to the department’s legal services. “We have since intervened to ensure the smooth running of the school. We urge parents to make necessary arrangements to settle any outstanding school fees accordingly.”
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.