SADTU KZN MEDIA STATEMENT
SADTU KZN Calls for Director-General’s Intervention in Urgent Funding Crisis for Schools
The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) in KwaZulu-Natal is currently engaging with the provincial Department of Education to resolve the severe funding shortfall affecting schools across the province.
As most KwaZulu-Natal schools operate as no-fee institutions, they depend heavily on the financial allocations that the Department is mandated to provide. However, the Department has failed to fulfil these obligations. As schools are expected to write internal examinations, KZN schools are without the resources necessary to conduct these examinations.
In response, SADTU KZN is picketing at district offices to pressure the Department into action. Yet, despite the critical nature of these issues, the absence of high-ranking officials in meetings has worsened the crisis. While the Head of Department and CFO are currently unavailable due to illness, other senior officials, including Deputy Directors-General, are also notably absent. The only representatives present are Chief Directors from Human Resources, Finance, and the HOD’s office as well as the Director (A) Finance.
Given the Department’s failure to address these pressing concerns, SADTU KZN formally calls on the Director-General to intervene directly in KwaZulu-Natal, engage with the union, and help secure the necessary funding for schools.
Adding to the frustration, the Department’s plea of financial constraints is contradicted by its decision to focus on the opening of new schools rather than supporting the ones already in need. This misplaced priority creates additional expenses while existing schools struggle without adequate funding. Other critical issues that remain unresolved include:
• The non-payment of annual pay progressions for educators
• Outstanding Grade R stipends
• Lack of conversion and remuneration for temporary educators
SADTU KZN is determined to ensure the Department fulfils its obligations to all schools, educators, and learners. We urge the Director-General to urgently address this crisis, prioritize existing school funding, and honour commitments to those already in the education system.
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ISSUED BY: KZN SADTU Secretariat