KZN Schools Scramble to Reopen as Textbooks and Meals Fail to Arrive

KwaZulu-Natal’s learners could face a rocky start to the 2026 school year as teacher unions warn that many schools are not ready to open on January 14. Missing textbooks, delayed Learning and Teaching Support Materials (LTSM), and the absence of school meals are putting both educators and students under pressure.

Teacher Unions Raise Red Flags

The National Professional Teachers’ Organisation of South Africa (Naptosa) surveyed 150 schools across the province, while the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) spoke to principals from 247 schools. Both organisations reported alarming gaps in readiness, particularly in rural and special schools.

Thirona Moodley, Naptosa’s KwaZulu-Natal CEO, said:

“Of particular concern is the situation of our most vulnerable special schools, many of which may not be able to open on Wednesday. Equally alarming is the report from several schools indicating they cannot provide school meals due to non-delivery of food. This has serious implications for learner wellbeing, attendance, and readiness to learn.”

SADTU provincial leader Nomarashiya Caluza added that principals had been flooding the union with panic calls, worried about the lack of resources and looming disruptions.

Districts Hit Hardest

The union surveys highlighted disparities between districts. While Umlazi reported 60% of schools ready to start the year, Umkhanyakude (69.6% unready), Ugu (69.4%), and iLembe (68.6%) were far less prepared. In these areas, more than two-thirds of schools are grappling with missing textbooks, stationery, and delayed allocations.

Funding Delays and Procurement Hurdles

According to Moodley and Caluza, the root of the problem lies in delayed financial allocations and strict procurement rules imposed by the Provincial Treasury under the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) Section 18.

“Section 21(C) schools did not receive their basic financial allocations in October and November 2025, leaving them unable to place orders for LTSM. Even commitments made by the Department of Education to service providers were not honoured,” said Moodley.

The timing mismatch has compounded the problem: textbook and stationery orders, normally placed in May for October delivery, were delayed until October 2025, with only stationery for Section 20 schools approved. Textbooks remain largely undelivered, leaving many learners without the materials needed for a successful start.

School Meals in Jeopardy

Beyond textbooks, school meal programmes are also at risk. Naptosa warned that the failure to deliver food could affect attendance and learner performance, particularly for children in poorer communities who rely on school nutrition for daily sustenance.

“The inability to provide meals on day one undermines both learning and the wellbeing of our children,” Moodley stressed.

Political Outcry

The delays have not gone unnoticed in political circles. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in KZN condemned the education department’s lack of planning:

“Once again, the futures of the children of the poor are placed at risk due to the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education’s failure to adequately plan for the academic year.”

A Call for Urgent Action

Teacher unions are calling on the department to urgently release funds and ensure LTSM and meals reach schools before reopening. Without immediate intervention, principals fear that the first days of 2026 could see learners starting the year without textbooks, meals, or the support they need.

The department of education has not yet responded to requests for comment, leaving communities, parents, and educators anxious as the clock ticks toward January 14.

{Source: IOL}

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