Two pupils in uniform sit on chairs together with their backs to the camera Picture: Timothy Bernard Independent Newspapers
Durban: The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has confirmed that budget constraints have delayed the delivery of Learner Teacher Support Material (LTSM), leaving many schools unprepared as the 2025 academic year begins.
On Sunday, the department acknowledged that planned transfers were not realised due to financial constraints.
It said payments to service providers for delivered materials were being prioritised, with schools required to escalate non-delivery cases to district offices.
The department assured stakeholders that payments would be processed within 30 days of invoice uploads to an online verification tool.
Nomarashiya Caluza, spokesperson for the South African Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu) said there were issues at some schools.
“As schools opened today, we can say they all started, though some, especially Section 21 schools with Function C, are struggling with stationery and textbooks,” said Caluza.
She added: “Teachers and learners are there and ready, but we believe that stability in all schools will only be seen next week as service providers are still trying to deliver. This is because the commitment to pay them was only made on Monday.”
The DA also raised concern over the delayed LTSM delivery, emphasising its impact on schools’ readiness to operate effectively.
Sakhile Mngadi, DA KZN spokesperson on Education, said: “The failure to disburse norms and standards batch payments has left many schools unable to purchase basic supplies or carry out essential maintenance. This is an unacceptable administrative failure.”
Mngadi criticised the provincial government for what he described as a lack of foresight and urgency in addressing the issue.
“The DA is actively engaging with the Department of Education’s Head of Department, Nkosinathi Ngcobo, to demand accountability and swift action. Learners and educators should not be subjected to environments that are not conducive to learning.”
He also highlighted another persistent challenge of late registrations.
“The issue of late registrations is concerning, particularly for Grade 1 and Grade 8 learners, as it causes unnecessary disruptions to their academic journeys. The DA is working to assist families struggling with placements.”
The IFP echoed these sentiments, emphasising the broader implications of resource shortages.
Mkhuleko Hlengwa, IFP national spokesperson, said: “It is unacceptable that learners are expected to thrive without adequate textbooks and stationery.”
Hlengwa also highlighted the need to address overcrowded classrooms, calling for an urgent increase in teacher posts.
“Overcrowding remains a significant barrier to quality education. The IFP is committed to advocating for more educators to ensure that every learner receives the focused attention they deserve,” he said.
Vee Gani of the KZN Parents Association said there has been a number of challenges that have been brought to him since Monday.
“It has been hectic from Monday, a vast variety of challenges like late admissions and parents complaining about admission policies,” he said.
“It will settle in two to three weeks but it is always like this at the beginning of the year.”
He also urged parents to do things on time. “Some problems are self created. Parents need to do what they are supposed to do on time, like getting their children registered in schools.”
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