Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za
3-minute read

23 January 2025 | 17:10 CAT

SADTU raises the alarm over the Northern Cape education crisis, citing unmet commitments and critical shortages affecting schools as the 2025 academic year begins. (File Picture – Cortney Africa, Africa News Agency)

Schools in the Northern Cape are grappling with severe challenges as the academic year begins, despite earlier assurances by the provincial Department of Education. The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) in the Northern Cape has expressed deep concern over the Department’s failure to uphold commitments made in December 2024, including the timely payment of Section 21 allocations critical for school operations.

Speaking to Radio Islam International, SADTU Northern Cape representative Palesa Nqumashe detailed the difficulties plaguing schools. “Learners are without basic stationery, feeding schemes are non-functional, and some schools lack electricity and water. Without these essentials, schools cannot operate effectively,” she said. Nqumashe also noted that electricity cuts have left schools unable to pump water, compounding the crisis.

Parents are reportedly frustrated, now being asked to provide stationery and meals for learners—expenses traditionally covered by the Department. “The Department did not prepare parents for this reality. Principals are now forced to request resources from parents, creating further strain,” added Nqumashe.

Claims by the Deputy Minister of Education that the delivery of Learning and Teaching Support Materials (LTSM) across all provinces was at 100% have also been called into question. According to Nqumashe, while delivery to centralized schools may have been completed, decentralized schools relying on Section 21 allocations are still waiting. “Only 27% of the allocation has been paid, and it is insufficient to even cover 10% of stationery needs,” she said.

Efforts to resolve the crisis have so far yielded little progress. SADTU has engaged the provincial MEC, HOD, and Treasury since late 2024, with promises of additional funding yet to materialize. Nqumashe revealed that over 800 education workers have not received their pay progression, a critical element of collective agreements.

With some schools considering sending learners home due to unsafe conditions in hostels lacking electricity and water, SADTU is urging the Premier to intervene. “All stakeholders must act urgently to ensure learners’ safety and education are prioritized,” Nqumashe concluded.

The Northern Cape’s education crisis remains unresolved as schools and communities await decisive action.

Listen to the full interview on The Daily Round Up with Moulana Junaid Kharsany and Palesa Nqumashe here.