Pupils sit in a circle using plastic colourful letters of the alphabet to make up words File Picture: Independent Newspapers Archives
Durban: As schools in KwaZulu-Natal prepare to reopen next week, concerns about security and delays in the delivery of learning materials have been raised by teacher unions.
According to the KZN Department of Education, 99% of textbooks and 76% of stationery have been delivered to 4 174 schools across the province.
However, security concerns in certain areas have led to materials not yet being delivered to some schools.
“Deliveries to affected areas will now take place between January 12 and 17,” the department said.
Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka reiterated the department’s commitment to ensuring readiness.
The department also confirmed it was working with law enforcement agencies to protect resources and staff during the delivery process.
Nomarashiya Caluza, of the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (Sadtu), said there were two major challenges affecting schools.
“Firstly, burglary or theft resulting in damage and loss of available teaching and learning resources including equipment for the nutrition programme. Secondly, safety of schools amid the harsh weather, with storms damaging school buildings.”
National Professional Teachers’ Organisation of South Africa (Naptosa) provincial chief executive Thirona Moodley shared similar concerns about security.
“Security in our schools is always an issue. However, there are heightened concerns during the holidays. We do not support the delivery of teaching material while schools are closed, particularly to schools that do not have security. We have taken up the issue of schools’ security with the department repeatedly” she said.
The DA also addressed the recurring safety issues in KZN schools.
Dr Delmaine Christians, the DA’s spokesperson on Basic Education, said: “In November 2023, the KZN Education MEC raised concerns about schools increasingly becoming targets for criminals after an incident in the Ilembe district where a school was vandalised and equipment was stolen.”
Christians pointed out broader safety issues in schools, referencing a stabbing at Ganges Secondary School in eThekwini in November last year.
“The DA has consistently called for the introduction of metal detectors and scanners at school entry points, particularly in high-risk schools. We have also advocated for functional school safety committees and stronger partnerships with law enforcement,” she said.
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