Azra Hoosen | ah@radioislam.co.za
13 January 2025 | 11:00 CAT
2 min read

The Public Servants Association (PSA) has voiced strong criticism over delays and incomplete delivery of learning and teaching support materials (LTSM) for the 2025 academic year in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). The union warns that these delays pose significant risks to the province’s education system.

Speaking to Radio Islam International, PSA KZN Provincial Manager Mglusi Ndlovu outlined the union’s concerns, emphasising the impact of these shortcomings on schools’ operations. “The PSA uncontrollably condemns the delay in the informative delivery of learning and teaching support material in preparation for 2025. Highlighting the grave risk in Wazuna’s education system, the PSA expresses deep concern over Wazuna adult education’s failure to deliver on learning material allocated,” said Mglusi.

The PSA has also criticised the Department of Education for failing to allocate sufficient norms and standards funding. This operational budget is essential for schools to purchase basic supplies, including stationery and maintenance tools. According to Mglusi, many schools—especially no-fee schools—rely entirely on these funds to function effectively.

“It has been a tendency in the department that they are not giving them 100%. You cannot expect the schools to operate if you can’t give them the operational budget,” he stated.

The delay in providing LTSM, such as textbooks and stationery, has left many schools underprepared for the academic year ahead. “Learning material, such as stationery and books used by the kids, should be delivered before the end of December,” said Mglusi. “You cannot proceed to the academic year unless all the learners are allocated this learning material. For them to start Grade 1, they must have Grade 1 books and all the learning material for that particular grade,” he added.

The PSA noted that the department’s claim of achieving 76% delivery still leaves a critical gap. “Even if they can say they have contributed 76%, what about the other percentage? We expect them to be across the board because we can’t compromise the education system,” he said.

The PSA plans to engage the KZN Department of Education to demand clarity and action. “It has been discussed last year to say this supply of learning material is very critical, and the department is aware of that particular issue,” he said.

He also called for a provincial budget plan to address the ongoing resource challenges, urging the government to prioritise essential services. “You can’t compromise the Department of Education. You can’t compromise the Department of Health. You can’t compromise Social Development. Something needs to happen,” he stressed.

The PSA highlighted additional challenges, including poor school maintenance and the disconnection of basic services like electricity and water. “We visited last week some of the schools where some of the grass is not being cut. It’s against OSF and endangers our learners because, in those trails, there might be snakes,” Mglusi said.

He also pointed out that broken windows and doors remain unrepaired, and schools are unable to pay utility bills directly to municipalities, leading to frequent service disconnections.

The PSA is urging swift action from the KZN Department of Education and the provincial treasury to resolve these critical issues, ensuring that schools are adequately equipped and safe for the 2025 academic year.

LISTEN to the full interview with Ml Sulaimaan Ravat and Mlungisi Ndlovu, Provincial Manager of Public Servants Association of South Africa in KwaZulu-Natal, here.