Note to Editors: Please note Sakhile Mngadi, MPL sound bites in English and isiZulu
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) welcomes the intervention by Provincial Treasury – under the leadership of Finance MEC, Francois Rodgers – to secure a R2billion advance from National Treasury to ensure that schools across the province receive critical norms and standards payments.
This intervention is a necessary step to protect learners and schools from the severe financial distress currently facing KZN’s Department of Education (DoE).
For months, the DA has warned that the department’s worsening financial position, mounting accruals and weak financial controls would eventually begin to take its toll. While the funding advance provides immediate relief, it must not distract from the deeper governance and financial failures.
The DA particularly welcomes the commitment by Provincial Treasury that priority will be given to settling historic debt owed to schools, many of which have been forced to carry financial burdens despite operating under already difficult conditions. We also commend the collaborative approach between Provincial Treasury and National Treasury to safeguard educational service delivery during this challenging period.
However, emergency relief funds cannot become the norm. KZN’s DoE must urgently implement strict financial discipline, consequence management and transparent oversight mechanisms to prevent future crises.
The DA, as a partner within the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) remains committed to robust oversight and to ensuring that every rand intended for education reaches classrooms and supports the future of KZN’s learners.