Teacher unions predict chaos as KZN schools prepare to reopen

Concerns rise over LTSM shortages and readiness for 2026 academic year

- THAMI MAGUBANE

TEACHER unions are warning of chaos when schools reopen next week, pointing out that schools are not ready and that not all the Learning and Teaching Support Materials (LTSM) are in place to ensure a smooth start to the 2026 academic year.

The unions in KwaZulu-Natal stated that the schools have not received all their LTSM that were supposed to be delivered by last year. The Department of Education in KwaZulu-Natal revealed this week that it is working to ensure that some of the LTSM supplies are available to schools this week.

The education department is facing financial challenges, which have prompted an intervention by the provincial Treasury. This intervention dictates that the Treasury must approve the spending by the department of amounts above a certain threshold. Some observers have argued that the department has been hamstrung by this arrangement, leading to delays in the procurement of the LTSM on time.

There were complaints that a key supplier had not been paid and could miss the window to produce and deliver the LTSM supplies on time. However, others have stated that the Treasury arrangement is keeping the department afloat, as it cannot spend money it does not have.