The Democratic Alliance (DA) has raised concerns over a worsening financial crisis in KwaZulu-Natal’s Department of Education, cautioning that teachers, service providers, and learners could face severe consequences. The department, led by MEC Sipho Hlomuka, is expected to have a budget shortfall exceeding R1.3 billion for the 2025/26 financial year.
Reports indicate that more than 2,000 teachers may not receive their salaries in the coming months, while service providers are owed over R1.6 billion, leading some to explore legal action. A further R443 million debt is owed to the Department of Public Works, though a National Treasury intervention has helped prevent the collapse of critical infrastructure projects.
The DA has criticized Hlomuka for what it calls a slow and opaque response to the crisis. Party officials allege that the MEC has not adequately consulted the provincial education portfolio committee or introduced measures to reduce wasteful spending. With over 90% of the department’s R66 billion budget allocated to salaries, crucial areas like infrastructure, curriculum improvements, and learner support remain severely underfunded.
The department has reportedly frozen all new tenders, stalling important projects. Education unions and stakeholders have blamed the crisis on mismanagement, late funding, and poor financial planning.
Compounding the issue, KwaZulu-Natal has 45,000 unemployed teaching graduates, but only 600 new positions have been filled this year due to budget limitations. This has sparked protests by jobless educators and increased political pressure for action. One social media user responded to the news with the comment, “big trouble.”
Hlomuka’s leadership has come under scrutiny, with critics describing his approach as ineffective and out of touch, despite his previous role as MEC for Transport, Community Safety, and Liaison.