SADTU, EFF Raise Alarms Over Failure to Deliver Textbooks in KZN Schools Ahead of Opening Day

SIHLE MAVUSO|January 10, 2026

KZN Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka has not responded to claims that some schools have not received their learning materials. Photo: KZN DoE

The South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in KwaZulu-Natal have raised alarm about the state of readiness for provincial schools, claiming that some of the schools have not received learning materials like textbooks and cleaning materials.

The two organisations said this is despite the fact that schools are set to open on Wednesday next week.

First to raise an alarm was SADTU after conducting a survey with principals in the province. It found that schools, mainly in townships and rural districts like Umkhanyakude, Ugu and Ilembe, are not ready.

“Schools are re-opening on the 14th of January 2026 and are expected to deliver the first lesson in all subjects for all grades in the school. Unfortunately, principals as they report to their Union indicate that they have not received the necessary requirements like stationery, textbooks as well as all other things like cleaning materials to ensure that schools are thoroughly cleaned to welcome learners and teachers back.

“Having listened to the concerns of school principals who called, SADTU KZN decided to conduct a survey with the purpose of gathering tangible information on the state of readiness for each school in the province. This survey required principals to respond to matters such as the availability of LTSM, filling of vacancies, number of learners, cleanliness of the school, security, etc,” the union said.

It added that 247 school principals participated in the survey and 54% reported that their schools are not ready, while 46% report to be ready, though some in this cohort talk about partial readiness.

The EFF in the province said the failure to deliver the textbooks is accidental, but a well-orchestrated plan to collapse public education for the poor.

“While children of the poor are denied stationery and textbooks, children of the political elite will attend Model C and private schools where all the necessary resources are guaranteed,” the red party said.

The provincial Department of Education, led by MEC Sipho Hlomuka, is yet to respond to the claims that some schools have yet to receive their learning materials.