Teacher union Naptosa voices concern over KZN education department's financial crisis
The National Professional Teachers’ Organisation of South Africa (Naptosa) has expressed growing alarm over the deepening financial crisis faced by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education.
The union has welcomed the intervention of the Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, who has convened an all-of-government meeting on Monday to address the pressing issues at hand.
Thirona Moodley, provincial CEO of Naptosa in KwaZulu-Natal, stated, “Naptosa notes with deep concern the financial crisis currently facing the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education. The urgent intervention of the Minister is a necessary step in addressing these challenges.”
Moodley highlighted the struggles educators face, stating, “Teachers in KwaZulu-Natal are expected to deliver quality education under conditions of severe resource constraints, late payments, frozen posts, and inadequate support. These financial difficulties have undermined the morale of teachers, compromised service delivery, and placed significant strain on schools and learners.”
She emphasised that the situation has reached a tipping point, where decisive action is no longer optional but urgent and necessary.
She said Naptosa applauded the minister’s leadership in recognising that the education department cannot be allowed to collapse under the weight of mismanagement and financial instability.
“The development of a financial recovery plan is essential in protecting the integrity of the education system in KwaZulu-Natal,” Moodley added. “It is crucial that teachers are supported, posts are filled, and learners’ right to education is upheld.”
While Naptosa supports the minister’s intervention and the development of a financial recovery plan, they stress that recovery cannot succeed without accountability.
“Those responsible for the current financial collapse must answer for their actions and decisions. It is not enough to simply stabilise the system — there must be consequences for mismanagement and a commitment to transparent governance,” Moodley asserted.
As a union representing thousands of dedicated educators in the province, Naptosa insists that any recovery plan must include meaningful engagement with teacher unions. “Teachers are at the coalface of the crisis, and their voices must inform solutions,” Moodley added.
“Naptosa stands ready to contribute constructively to the process to ensure that financial stability translates into real improvements in schools, classrooms, and working conditions. We call on the provincial government to commit fully to this recovery process and to ensure that accountability, transparency, and the interests of learners and educators remain central,” she concluded.