Concern has been raised about the 30-day approval process that has been put in place if political parties and the media want to conduct visit to schools in KwaZulu-Natal. Picture: Independent Newspapers Archives
Image: Independent Newspapers Archives
Questions have been raised over a new directive issued by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education that seeks to govern oversight visits by political parties to schools in the province. The DA in KZN has said that it will challenge the directive, which they claim obstructs constitutional oversight of schools.
Circular 29 of 2025, signed by KZN Education Head of Department (HOD) Nkosinathi Ngcobo, introduces a 30-day approval process before Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPLs) can visit schools to conduct oversight.
DA KZN Education spokesperson Sakhile Mngadi, MPL, expressed outrage over the new rule, calling it a clear attempt to block accountability.
“Circular 29 is not just an administrative obstacle — it’s a direct attack on transparency and oversight,” said Mngadi.
He warned that the DA would take steps to ensure the circular is scrapped, including reporting HOD Ngcobo to the Public Protector for abuse of power.
According to Circular 29, MPLs, public representatives, and even the media must request written permission from the HOD or a school principal at least 30 days prior to any intended school visit.
The directive claims to aim for a reduction in disruptions to teaching and learning but it has raised concerns about its true intention. In recent weeks, incidents of bullying and violence at KZN schools have been raised as serious issues of concern.
The DA argues that the 30-day delay is unreasonable and undermines the core purpose of oversight, which is to respond swiftly to emerging issues in public institutions.
Mngadi questioned why the department would seek to block visits, particularly in a province where many schools are reportedly facing serious challenges such as infrastructure decay, teacher shortages, and poor management.
The DA further contends that the directive violates Section 114(2) of the Constitution, which mandates provincial legislatures to ensure accountability from the executive.
“This is an unlawful attempt to strip MPLs, especially members of the KZN Education portfolio committee, of their constitutional mandate,” Mngadi said.
The party has laid out a multi-pronged strategy to challenge the directive. This includes writing to KZN Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka to demand the withdrawal of Circular 29 and raising the issue with the KZN Legislature Speaker, Nontembeko Boyce.