Books Missing, Budgets Frozen: Why KZN Schools Fear a Chaotic Start to 2026

A familiar back-to-school anxiety returns

As families across KwaZulu-Natal prepare uniforms and school bags for the January 14 reopening, teacher unions are warning that many classrooms may still be missing the basics. Textbooks, stationery and other Learning and Teaching Support Materials (LTSM), essential for day one teaching have not reached all schools, raising fears of yet another bumpy start to the academic year.

For parents and teachers in KZN, this anxiety feels all too familiar. Delayed deliveries and funding hiccups have become an almost annual storyline, especially in under-resourced districts.

Unions say schools are simply not ready

Teacher unions say the problem is widespread. According to Naptosa CEO Thirona Moodley, many schools are unable to function because they have not received their LTSM allocations and have not been paid the funds needed to procure stationery.

“The last payment schools received was in June 2025,” she said, adding that principals are under severe pressure with no financial means to manage the new school year. Special schools, she warned, may struggle even more, with some unsure if they can open at all due to outstanding payments from last year.

SADTU provincial secretary Nomarashiya Caluza echoed the concern, saying that while educators are ready to teach, the learning environment is not ready for learners.

“The panic is real,” she said. “Schools are calling us daily, worried about what will happen on the 14th.”

Treasury oversight adds to the delays

Behind the scenes, the Department of Education’s financial troubles are complicating matters. A provincial Treasury intervention now requires approval for large spending decisions, a move some believe has slowed procurement processes.

Critics argue this has delayed payments to suppliers, with at least one reportedly unpaid and at risk of missing production and delivery deadlines. Others, however, say the Treasury controls are preventing the department from overspending money it simply does not have.

Department promises action, scepticism remains

After an extended management meeting, the department said it has resumed urgent deliveries and insists it is working towards a “smooth and uninterrupted” start to the school year. MEC for Education Sipho Hlomuka reassured parents and unions that systems are in place.

But unions remain unconvinced. An official speaking anonymously said some schools in Zululand have received nothing at all, while Section 21 schools, which buy their own supplies are still waiting for funds that should have been paid in December.

Opposition questions official claims

DA education spokesperson Sakhile Mngadi accused the department of being less than honest about progress on the ground. He said textbooks and stationery were procured separately, inflating costs and slowing delivery.

“By January 14, it won’t be done,” he said.

What this means for learners

For thousands of pupils, especially in rural KZN, a delayed start does more than disrupt schedules it widens inequality. Social media reactions from parents reflect growing frustration, with many asking how learning can begin without books.

As one parent posted: “We keep being told everything is ready, but our children pay the price.”

With reopening day fast approaching, the coming week will determine whether these warnings turn into full-blown disruption or yet another last-minute scramble to save the school year.

{Source: IOL}

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