Principals pay for basics as department funding falters

SCHOOL principals across KwaZulu-Na-tal are resorting to using their personal salaries to keep schools running as the Department of Education (DoE) fails to deliver promised funding.

- MONISHKA GOVENDER

Teachers' unions claim that principals are being harassed by mounting pressure, while facing pressure to maintain educational standards despite financial constraints.

A Durban principal, who did not want to be named, said he often found himself digging into his own pocket to keep his school running.

He said lack of school funds was an ongoing problem and they were faced monthly with bills for salaries, stationery, textbooks and other essential supplies.

“I think of my pupils when I reach into my pockets to pay for basic necessities like printing paper, books and sometimes even for water and electricity bills. We are always looking for sponsors to help us, but is it someone else's job to pay for the basics at schools? The DoE should be taking responsibility for the public entity,” said the disgruntled principal.

Sadly, the DoE does not give us an adequate budget, which would allow us to pay for all the expenses and pupils' needs. The allocations for this year have not been met. Now we find ourselves being hounded by the suppliers for our best to pay the DoE's debts, so we are paying out of our salaries for the benefit of our pupils,” he added.

"The reality is that we also fear for our lives when the suppliers demand payment. We never have the money," he said.

Doctor Ngema, of the National Teachers' Union (SADTU), said they were aware of such challenges at schools and that the situation was dire.