KZN Education denies being placed under administration, calls reports false

Department rejects reports it has been placed under administration

The KwaZulu‑Natal Department of Education on 21 May 2026 dismissed circulating reports that it had been placed under administration, calling the information “misleading and false” and saying no government decision to invoke Section 100 of the Constitution has been taken.

What the department said

“The department has not been placed under administration,” the department said in a statement issued on Wednesday.

The department emphasised that putting a provincial department under administration is a serious executive action that must be authorised by the National Cabinet and formally announced in an official Cabinet statement. The department said no such Cabinet statement or decision exists.

“There is no decision taken by the National Cabinet to invoke Section 100 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and place the KwaZulu‑Natal Department of Education under administration.”

Operations continue and public urged to check official channels

The department said it continues to operate normally and remains focused on delivering educational services across the province. “The Department continues to execute its constitutional and legislative mandate without intervention and distractions,” the statement read.

It also sought to reassure stakeholders including parents, pupils and teachers that its operations are unaffected and that it remains committed to delivering quality education to learners in KwaZulu‑Natal.

The department urged the public and media organisations to verify information through official government communication channels before sharing reports about the department.

Context

The department did not indicate where the reports originated, but said claims circulating on mainstream and social media platforms were incorrect.