Schools face financial and staffing challenges as new academic year begins

As pupils across KwaZulu-Natal gear up for the new academic year starting today, Wednesday January 15, excitement is palpable among those beginning fresh educational journeys.

However, concerns loom large over the readiness of the education system to provide a seamless start to teaching and learning.

National Professional Teachers’ Organisation of South Africa (NAPTOSA) KZN CEO Therona Moodley said the education department ended 2024 with numerous unresolved issues that continue to affect schools across the province.

“Schools that manage their own budgets face significant challenges. They did not receive their full norms and standards allocation for 2024, and similar financial shortfalls are expected for 2025. Notably, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) does not meet the national funding targets for 2024–2026. Instead, the province allocates considerably less funding per learner, leaving many schools unable to procure essential teaching and learning materials for 2025. With municipal bills in arrears and principals struggling to keep schools operational, some institutions may not be ready to start teaching and learning on 15 January 2025. Additionally, the department has failed to finalise staffing arrangements for 2025,” said Ms Moodley.

She said in addition, on Friday January 10, the National Professional Teachers’ Organisation of South Africa (NAPTOSA) was granted an urgent interdict by the Pietermaritzburg High Court, halting the department’s implementation of the circular that governs school staffing for the year ahead.

“While NAPTOSA remains hopeful that improved matric results will provide the education system with a much-needed boost, it is mindful of the challenges faced by the class of 2024, who began high school during the global pandemic. Education, like many other sectors, continues to recover from the disruptions caused by Covid-19. As the new academic year begins, NAPTOSA urges the department to urgently address these outstanding issues to ensure the 2025 school year begins smoothly and without further disruptions. The future of our learners and the stability of our education system depend on the department’s swift action,” said Moodley.

KZN Department of Education spokesman Muzi Mhlambi confirmed, in a statement, on Monday morning, that they were experiencing challenges as a result of “financial constraints”.

“Due to financial constraints arising from recent budget cuts, the anticipated transfers outlined in KZN Circular 136 of 2024 (dealing with learning and teaching materials) were not realised as planned. Consequently, as per the orders issued, the department is proceeding with payments to service providers for LTSM (Learning and Teaching Support Material) already delivered to schools. Invoices must be uploaded to the online tool to update records. Once uploaded, the department will verify deliveries against the orders placed and prioritise transferring funds to schools. The payment process will prioritise signed, stamped, dated, and uploaded invoices, with payments processed within 30 days of the invoice upload date. In cases where suppliers are unable to deliver LTSM despite the department’s assurance, such cases must be clearly indicated in the attached letter. Schools should forward these instances to District Offices for further resolution,” said Mr Mhlambi.