The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education (DoE) is facing a deepening financial crisis, prompting alarm from the Democratic Alliance (DA), who have called for urgent reform to protect the future of learners and restore accountability within the province’s education system.
This week, DA KZN spokesperson on education, Sakhile Mngadi, expressed serious concern about the department’s financial state, highlighting the halting of critical infrastructure projects and a looming salary crisis that could leave thousands of teachers unpaid.
According to reports presented to the KZN Legislature’s Finance Committee, the department faces a shortfall of over R1.3 billion in the 2025/2026 financial year. Chief Financial Officer Ntokozo Mlaba confirmed that this deficit could impact salary payments for over 2,000 educators and delay infrastructure maintenance—particularly essential ablution facilities at schools across the province.
The DA has pointed to years of mismanagement as the root of the crisis. While acknowledging that the problems stem from previous administrations, the party has criticised current Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka for what it calls a lack of urgency and unwillingness to disclose the full extent of the department’s financial woes to the provincial education portfolio committee.
“The department continues to spend over 90% of its R66 billion budget on salaries, leaving almost no room for infrastructure, curriculum development, or learner support,” said Mngadi. “This is not just poor governance—it’s a betrayal of every child who depends on public education to escape poverty.”
The Provincial Treasury has issued stern warnings to the department, cautioning against entering new contracts while existing service provider debts remain unpaid. The Treasury has further instructed that no new financial commitments be made, noting that any failure to comply would amount to financial misconduct.
In response, the DA has proposed a set of immediate interventions, including an audit of “ghost posts” (funded but unfilled positions), a freeze on non-critical appointments, and the creation of a ring-fenced infrastructure fund. This fund, they argue, must be managed transparently to ensure that service providers are paid timeously and school construction projects are not disrupted.
The crisis has a ripple effect far beyond administrative issues. For learners, delays in infrastructure upgrades and the uncertainty around teacher salaries threaten to severely compromise education quality in the province. The DA warns that the department’s dysfunction could leave schools without critical maintenance and support, especially in rural and under-resourced areas.
“The future of millions of children in KZN is being held hostage by political incompetence,” said Mngadi. “We cannot allow egos and arrogance to stand in the way of education. We need bold, honest leadership that puts learners first.”
The DA says it will continue to push for reforms to redirect the department’s priorities towards transparency, fiscal responsibility, and, above all, the wellbeing of learners.
