SADTU halts work-to-rule protest in KZN as Education Department pledges to make outstanding payments
Image: Independent Newspapers Archives
The South African Democratic Teachers' Union (SADTU) in KwaZulu-Natal has suspended its province-wide work-to-rule campaign following a meeting with the Department of Education earlier this week, where the department committed to paying outstanding school allocations and resolving examination disruptions.
SADTU said the meeting with Head of Department, GN Ngcobo and his top management followed engagements with the Premier, who pledged R900 million in emergency funding to address the ongoing education crisis.
'The mere commitment by the Premier to assist the department with R900 million does not automatically remove the reality that schools have no money and are waiting for the allocation from the department,' the union stated.
According to SADTU, the department committed to making payments to schools by July 4 and July 31. 'Upon receiving the Premier's committed money, the employer will make payments to schools,' the union said.
In addition, SADTU confirmed that the department would address the backlog in 2024 basic and Learning and Teaching Support Material allocations as it receives its equitable share from the National Treasury.
The union also welcomed the revised mid-year examination timetable, which resumes on June 18. 'Schools that do not have the necessary resources to administer the June examination will be assisted by the department through printing enough examination papers for all affected schools,' SADTU said, adding that it supports the revised schedule.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Next
Stay
Close ✕
However, SADTU criticised the department's policy on compulsory common tests for underperforming schools. 'Forcing schools to write common tests undermines the intellectual capacity of teachers who teach but get denied the opportunity to assess their learners,' the union said.
It further challenged the department's assertion that high-performing schools requested to write the tests, saying 'this is far from the truth as schools are forced to write these tests.'
The department's internal memo dated June 17 confirms that schools with a 2024 NSC pass rate of 85% or less 'must adhere to the revised common test programme' while those above 85% that 'voluntarily requested' to participate must also comply.
'The writing of common tests is costly to the Department and remains unjustifiable, especially during this financially challenging time,' SADTU noted.
The union said the department agreed to convene a meeting by June 27 to discuss standardised testing.
In conclusion, SADTU announced the suspension of its work-to-rule action. 'The union leadership will continue to have meetings with the department as a way of monitoring the implementation of the decisions and commitments done by the employer,' it said.
'We thank our members for their commitment… Everyone knows that without their effort and dedication on the picket line, we would not have scored these victories for our schools.'
THE MERCURY
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
04-07-2025
- IOL News
From Classroom to Cabinet: David Mabuza's journey from teacher to Deputy President
Former deputy president David Mabuza dedicated educator and political strategist, leaves behind a legacy of influence in South African politics, remembered for his quiet strength and commitment to national development. Born on August 25, 1960, in the rural heartlands of Phola, Mpumalanga, David Dabede Mabuza began his journey as a schoolteacher and activist in the Black Consciousness movement. Fondly known as 'The Cat', Mabuza climbed the ranks to chair the South African Democratic Teachers' Union (1988-1991), paving his way into provincial politics after 1994. Mabuza was a dedicated activist, seasoned educator, and astute political strategist whose journey through South African politics reflected both steady advancement and notable influence. He began his career in education, first as a teacher and later as a principal. Early on, Mabuza became a prominent organiser within the South African Democratic Teachers' Union (SADTU), where he emerged as a key figure in the late 1980s, advocating for teachers' rights during a turbulent political era. Following the end of apartheid, Mabuza deepened his involvement with the African National Congress (ANC), assuming a series of leadership roles in the Mpumalanga province. He served as MEC for Education and Housing before being appointed Premier of Mpumalanga in 2009, a position he held until 2018.
IOL News
25-06-2025
- IOL News
KZN Premier intervenes to resolve teachers' strike and ensure June examinations proceed
dfdfd Image: Meta AI The June examinations are back on track after intervention from KZN Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli, who undertook to bring an end to teachers' work-to-rule protest action. On June 2, the teachers' action involved strictly adhering to job regulations without any additional support. This meant schools cancelled extra classes and postponed the exams. The teacher unions had called on the Department of Education (DoE) to address their grievances - that included the failure to pay acting allowances to office based teachers and education workers; and the failure to appoint substitute teachers. Muzi Mahllambi, the spokesperson for the KZN DoE, said all schools would resume with the June examinations tomorrow. Ntuli as well as Francois Rodgers, the MEC for Finance, and Sipho Hlomuka, the MEC for Education, met with the South African Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu) and the National Teachers' Union (Natu) last week. In a statement, Ntuli said R900 million would be reprioritised to support education. "All outstanding school payments (2024 and May 2025) will be paid within two weeks. The June exams will go ahead without disruption. Discussions on filling critical education posts are underway. As premier, I remain committed to ensuring that teaching and learning continue across KZN. This is about protecting the future of our children,' said Ntuli. On Monday, Sadtu held a meeting with the Head of Department for the KZN DoE, Nkosinathi Ngcobo, to discuss a payment plan and the status of the June examinations. Nomarashiya Caluza, Sadtu provincial secretary, said a number of schools did not write the exams as they lacked resources to administer the examinations. 'Many schools have raised concerns about how they are expected to administer exams without receiving the necessary funding from the department. It is widely acknowledged that these challenges stem from budget cuts implemented in recent years, along with decisions taken by the KZN Department of Finance. These include cash blocking, moratoriums on filling vacancies, and the freezing of approved posts on the department's organisational structure. 'The mere commitment by the premier to assist the department with R900 million does not automatically remove the reality that schools have no money and are waiting for the allocation from the department. 'The department will ensure that on June 18, all schools resume their mid-term examination. Schools that do not have the necessary resources to administer the June examination will be assisted by the department through printing enough examination papers for all affected schools." Caluza said the union used the meeting with Ngcobo to reiterate its stance on standardised tests. 'Forcing schools to write common tests undermines the intellectual capacity of teachers, who teach but are denied the opportunity to assess their pupils. It is noted that the department in KZN imposes the writing of common tests by all schools that got below 85% in the 2024 NSC examination. 'The department in its presentation suggested that there are high performing schools that voluntarily applied to write common tests. This is far from the truth as schools are forced to write these tests. The writing of common tests is costly to the department and remains unjustifiable, especially during this time when the department is struggling financially,' she added. Sadtu will meet with the DOE at the end of the month to discuss standardised tests. 'We have ended the work-to-rule action to allow the processing of payments and writing of examinations. This is a major victory for schools and for members who braved freezing conditions in the picket lines to fight for a just cause,' she said. Natu's secretary general, Doctor Ngema, said they were pleased that Ntuli was addressing compensation for Grade R teachers, which would be reviewed. 'We are also pleased that payments to National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) service providers will be expedited to ensure uninterrupted food deliveries to schools. 'Hlomuka will engage further with Natu leadership on critical issues, including teacher recruitment and human resources processes. We acknowledge the premier's transparency regarding the province's constrained budget and commends his political will to address these challenges. The struggle continues, but we are encouraged by these steps forward,' Ngema added. THE POST
IOL News
18-06-2025
- IOL News
KwaZulu-Natal government reallocates R900 million to education amid budget cuts
KZN Premier Thami Ntuli has directed Finance MEC Francois Rodgers to divert R900 million from other provincial departments to the education to fund the operations of the no-fee schools. Image: Independent Newspapers Archives THE majority of the KwaZulu-Natal departments will lose a combined total of almost a billion rands, which the provincial government diverted to provincial education to fund the operation of struggling schools. Only the health and social development, which are together with education, classified as frontline departments, have been spared from losing part of their budget. The no-fee schools have since 2022 struggled to operate as a result of government's budget cuts and austerity measures. The decision to allocate an additional R900 million to education came after a series of meetings between Premier Thami Ntuli, the South African Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu) and the National Teachers Union (NATU), who later engaged Finance MEC Francois Rodgers. Ntuli's spokesperson, Bongani Gina, said that after the meeting with the unions, Ntuli expressed the urgent need to resolve the long-standing financial constraints affecting the provincial Department of Education. 'The Premier directed Treasury to prioritise the reallocation of R900 million within the provincial budget. 'The reprioritisation will involve sourcing funds from across departments to restore the functionality of schools by ensuring they are adequately resourced to operate effectively,' said Gina. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Sadtu provincial secretary Nomarashiya Caluza described the additional allocation as a victory for no-fee schools as the past three years have been struggling to function. 'The Premier appreciated SADTU's presentation and indicated that it provided him with a broader understanding of the challenges facing the Department of Education,' said Caluza. However, she said this additional allocation was still not enough because the schools were owed money that was not paid to them last year. It was the government's responsibility to fund the no-fee schools with R955 for each learner per year. Caluza said the department was supposed to pay 60% of the R955 in May or June, while another 40% was supposed to be paid towards the end of the year to assist the school in preparing for the beginning of the next school calendar. However, the government could not pay the schools because of the lack of funds, a situation that left many schools unable to function adequately. She said the department had even failed to pay the R955 in monthly installments. 'Which is why there are still schools owed for last year's fees' said Caluza. She said this had left the school principals with the responsibility of using their own money to keep the school functioning. 'It has become the responsibility of principals to pay from their pockets for the running of the schools, which is unfair. 'That is why you find that the schools would be out of electricity because they cannot pay the electricity bills,' said Caluza. She said that while principals would use their money to buy printing papers and other material required for teaching, the schools were no longer able to participate in sports and music competitions because there was no money. 'Even teachers find it very difficult to attend workshops and carry out their teaching duties. 'Principals would complain about running out of money, which led to quarrels within their families due to their inability to meet family responsibilities. 'If you are a principal, everyone in school is looking up to you to provide when teachers run out of teaching resources, which forces the principal to use their money whenever the department fails to pay,' she said. Caluza said in 2023 and late last year, Sadtu marched and picketed as principals were saying, 'we don't know how learners are going to write exams because there were not printing machines and papers.' 'SADTU views this development as a major victory for our schools and for our members who braved freezing conditions in the picket lines to fight for a just cause,' said Caluza. Finance MEC Francois Rodgers confirmed that health, education, and social development budgets will not be affected by this.
