AfriForum/FEDSAS court victory ensures water for Vanderbiljpark schools

The North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria today granted an order to an urgent application brought by AfriForum and FEDSAS, forcing the Emfuleni Local Municipality to restore water supply to schools in the municipal district. 

The water supply of the schools in the district was cut without notice on 22 June while learners were busy with exams.

Government is the owner of public schools and is thus responsible for the payment of those schools' property tax. The Provincial Department refrained from paying the tax for months, and in some cases even for over a year. The municipal accounts of the schools were however paid in full, but the Municipality cut their water supply as the Department of Public Works did not pay the tax.

"It's unacceptable that schools are victimised due to an intergovernmental dispute. Water is a fundamental right and cannot simply be cut without grounds. More than 15 000 learners were affected by this," Carien Bloem, Head of Education Campaigns at AfriForum, said.

FEDSAS approached AfriForum to intervene, and the civil rights organisation turned to the court to restore order, as it is of the utmost importance for AfriForum that the rights of learners are protected.

Statement issued by Carien Bloem, Head: Education Campaigns, AfriForum, July 8 2014

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