The South African Democratic Teachers' Union (Sadtu) has threatened to take to the streets in protest over plans by the KwaZulu-Natal province to cut thousands of teaching posts. According to Sadtu, approximately 4 000 teaching positions could be lost in the province. This move comes as schools in the area continue to struggle with recruiting teachers. Sadtu is demanding that the number of teachers in the province be increased or, at the very least, that the current number of about 90 050 be maintained.
Sadtu secretary Nomarashiya Caluza expressed concerns over the potential job losses, stating that the union will not accept the dismissal of teachers due to financial problems. Caluza emphasized that the provincial Education MEC, Sipho Hlomuka, should engage with higher authorities to increase or maintain the current number of teachers. The union claims that newly established schools are struggling to recruit teachers, while substitute teachers filling posts for absent colleagues are not being paid.
The issue of unpaid salaries for substitute teachers has been ongoing since the beginning of the year, according to Caluza. Sadtu is determined to take to the streets until the provincial government provides proper funding for schools. The union wants to ensure that schools have the necessary teaching staff. This is not the first time Sadtu has protested over funding issues, having previously demonstrated against delays in the payment of school funding under the Norms and Standards programme.
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has faced longstanding budget pressures due to provincial funding constraints. These funding problems have had significant consequences for schools, with some reportedly not receiving textbooks and being limited to receiving stationery. The issue was raised with Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube, who met with KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli, but the union claims that the interventions have not resolved the underlying funding problems.
A group of unemployed teachers met with provincial government director-general Nokuthula Khanyile in Pietermaritzburg on Tuesday. During the meeting, the teachers were briefed on possible employment opportunities in other sectors. However, they expressed frustration at their continued inability to secure teaching posts. This meeting came as dozens of unemployed teachers had been holding a sit-in at the provincial education offices in Pietermaritzburg, seeking employment.
Some of the unemployed teachers have previously claimed that they were forced to pay bribes to secure employment, although the provincial education department has routinely rejected these claims. The department has invited those with evidence to come forward. The ongoing issue of teacher employment and funding has created uncertainty for schools and teachers in the KwaZulu-Natal province.
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has yet to respond to questions regarding the planned teacher cuts and funding issues. Sadtu's threat of protest highlights the growing tensions between the union and the provincial government over the issue of teacher employment and funding. The situation remains unresolved, with the union determined to take action to protect the jobs of its members.
Key points
- Sadtu threatens protest over planned 4 000 teacher cuts in KwaZulu-Natal province.
- Union demands increased or maintained teacher numbers, citing struggles in recruiting teachers.
- Ongoing funding issues have significant consequences for schools in the province.
