Tensions Rise As Over 150 000 Education Assistants Wait For Delayed Payments

Tensions Rise As Education Assistants Wait For Their Pay

Thousands of education assistants across South Africa remain in limbo as government departments trade blame over delayed stipend payments. The issue, affecting more than 150 000 workers under the Basic Education Employment Initiative, has sparked frustration among those who depend on these stipends to make ends meet.

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube expressed deep concern over the situation, describing it as unacceptable that workers were still unpaid weeks into the new term. The programme, launched to create temporary jobs in schools while supporting learning recovery, has become a critical income source for many young South Africans.

Departments Point Fingers Over Funding Delays

According to the Department of Employment and Labour, the delay stems from incomplete attendance registers that must be submitted by the Department of Basic Education before funds can be released. The Labour Department insists these records are part of a strict funding agreement designed to ensure accountability and prevent irregular payments.

Deputy Minister of Labour and Employment, Jomo Sibiya, acknowledged the tension between the departments but called for urgent action rather than continued finger-pointing. “It’s regrettable that we have to deal with such a matter in this way,” Sibiya said. “The most important thing is to make sure the teacher assistants who haven’t been paid are paid urgently. Accountability must take place.”

Workers Left Struggling

For many education assistants, the delay has had real consequences. The programme was introduced to provide both work experience and financial relief to unemployed youth, many of whom rely on the monthly stipends to support families, travel to work, and cover basic expenses.

As the dispute continues, unions and civil society have urged both departments to resolve their differences swiftly. With classrooms across the country depending on the work of these assistantsfrom administrative help to learner supportthe delay in payments has highlighted once again how bureaucratic red tape can stall grassroots programmes meant to empower communities.

The departments have not announced when payments will be processed, but the call for accountability and urgency has grown louder from both inside and outside government.

{Source:SABC News}

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