Key Takeaways:
- Teacher unions in KwaZulu-Natal are warning of chaos when schools reopen due to incomplete delivery of Learning and Teaching Support Materials (LTSM)
- The Department of Education is facing financial challenges, which have led to delays in the procurement of LTSM
- The provincial Treasury has intervened, requiring the department to obtain approval for spending above a certain threshold
- Some schools have not received any LTSM, while others have received incomplete deliveries
- Teacher unions and opposition parties are sceptical of the department’s claims that everything will be in place by the time schools reopen
Introduction to the Crisis
The reopening of schools in KwaZulu-Natal next week is expected to be chaotic, with teacher unions warning that schools are not ready and that not all the necessary Learning and Teaching Support Materials (LTSM) are in place. The unions have stated that schools have not received all their LTSM, which were supposed to be delivered by last year. This has raised concerns about the ability of schools to provide a smooth start to the 2026 academic year. The Department of Education in KwaZulu-Natal has acknowledged the challenges and is working to ensure that some of the LTSM supplies are available to schools this week.
Financial Challenges and Intervention
The education department is facing significant financial challenges, which have prompted an intervention by the provincial Treasury. The Treasury has required the department to obtain approval for spending above a certain threshold, which has led to delays in the procurement of LTSM. Some observers have argued that this arrangement has hamstrung the department, leading to delays in the delivery of essential materials. However, others have stated that the Treasury’s intervention is necessary to prevent the department from overspending and to ensure that it only spends money that it has.
Delays in LTSM Delivery
The delay in the delivery of LTSM has been attributed to a number of factors, including the non-payment of a key supplier and the Treasury’s requirement for approval of spending above a certain threshold. The department has stated that it is working to ensure that the remaining LTSM are delivered to schools as soon as possible. However, teacher unions have remained sceptical, stating that the delivery is far from complete and unlikely to be finished when the schools reopen. The unions have also expressed concerns about the ability of schools to procure stationery and other essential materials, given the delays in the payment of funds.
Reactions from Teacher Unions and Opposition Parties
Teacher unions have been vocal in their criticism of the department’s handling of the LTSM delivery. Thirona Moodley, CEO of the National Professional Teachers’ Organisation of South Africa (Naptosa), has stated that the department is ill-prepared for the upcoming year and that schools will not be able to start work next week due to the lack of LTSM and stationery. Nomarashiya Caluza, the provincial secretary of the South African Democratic Teachers Union, has also expressed concerns about the readiness of schools, stating that many schools have not received all the necessary materials. The Democratic Alliance (DA) has also weighed in on the issue, with spokesperson Sakhile Mngadi stating that the department is not being honest about the delivery of LTSM.
Department’s Response
The Department of Education has responded to the criticism, stating that it is working to ensure that everything is in place by the time schools reopen. Department spokesperson Muzi Mahlambi has said that the department is engaging with the principals of Section 21 schools, which procure their own supplies, to ensure that they have everything they need. However, the department’s claims have been met with scepticism by teacher unions and opposition parties, who argue that the department is not doing enough to address the crisis. With the reopening of schools just around the corner, it remains to be seen whether the department will be able to deliver on its promises and provide a smooth start to the 2026 academic year.