The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education announced the successful payment of Norms and Standards funding to special schools for the second quarter-with many schools that cater for children with special needs remaining closed since the beginning of the school term.

However, the South African National Association for Special Education (Sanase) in the province said the payment, while appreciated, barely scratched the surface of their true needs.

In a statement, the department said it recognises special schools as important for delivering quality education to pupils with diverse needs.

“Notwithstanding reductions to the department’s budget, we are committed to ensuring that all schools, including special schools, receive the necessary funding in accordance with the national norms and standards for school funding,” the department said. 

“We wish to reassure stakeholders, parents, and educators that the department continues to prioritise active processing of payment of allocations to special schools. These payments are intended to cover operational costs, staff remuneration, learning support materials, and other essential services that contribute to a safe and supportive learning environment.”

The department acknowledged the occurrence of delays in the disbursement process.

“We are working diligently to ensure timely and consistent payment to all qualifying special schools,” the department said. 

“We further encourage school management teams in all 76 special schools in the province to engage with their district offices should there be any concerns regarding their funding allocations.”

 The department added that it is dedicated to maintaining educational equity and quality for all pupils, including those attending special schools.

“We thank educators, parents, and learners for their continued patience and support as we work towards adequate funding of the sector to enable full and efficient implementation of norms and standards,” the department said. 

Last week, Sanase called for the closure of all special schools, citing funding, staff, and transportation issues. The department rejected the call.

KZN Sanase deputy chairperson Dr Khetha Khumalo said the funding shortfall covers basic operations.

“Our top priorities are money, transport and support staff,” Khumalo said.

He said schools could reopen if the department prioritised Sanase’s most critical objectives, while other concerns could be handled while pupils remained in school.

“Without transport, parents have to spend money on scholar transport,” Khumalo said. 

“Without support staff and buses for pupils, we (Sanase) will not issue a reopening notice. If we send pupils to school, how will they get there, and who will receive them when they get to school?”

Khumalo said Sanase oversees 58 special schools, and the latest report indicates that 38 schools are currently closed.

“We did, however, tell those with matriculants to open from Monday to allow matric pupils to write their exams,” Khumalo said. 

ANC KZN spokesperson Fanle Sibisi lauded the department’s decision to resolve outstanding Norms and Standards payments for special schools, stressing the need for immediate, sustainable strategies to prevent future disruptions.

“The ANC reiterates its call for the Department of Education to ring-fence and protect funding allocated to special needs schools, ensuring that learners with disabilities and high support needs continue to receive uninterrupted, quality education,” Sibisi said.

He said consistent funding for special schools is crucial for assistive devices, specialised staff, therapy, accessible transport, and tailored materials. Funding issues hinder inclusive education and exacerbate inequalities.

Sibisi said no KZN special school should close due to funding issues.

DA KZN education spokesperson Sakhile Mngadi urged the education department to explain the systemic failure of special schools province-wide. The demand was formally addressed to the Education Portfolio Committee acting chairperson, Hlengiwe Mavimbela.

Mngadi reported that Truro Prevocational School (Chatsworth) is closed, Ningizimu Special School (Durban) lacks basic needs, and Isikhwezi Special School (uMhlathuze) faces closure due to a financial crisis, unpaid teachers, and failing services.

“This is not an administrative hiccup. It is a province-wide failure caused by years of incompetence and indifference. Vulnerable learners are being left without food, care, transport, or education – a gross violation of their constitutional rights,” Mngadi said. 

The department had not responded to a request for additional comment by the time of publication.

thobeka.ngema@inl.co.za

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