Latest news with #KZNDepartmentofEducation
IOL News
08-08-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
New BELA regulations affirm right to education for undocumented children
Newly published regulations of the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act (Bela) have affirmed that undocumented children in the country have a right to education. Image: File Newly published regulations of the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act (BELA) have affirmed that undocumented children in the country have a right to education. Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, published the regulations this week for public comment. The BELA Act aims to improve the governance of schools in South Africa. The gazetted regulations clarify key provisions of the South African Schools Act regarding school capacity and admissions. The issue of providing services to undocumented foreign nationals has been in the news lately after groups in Durban and Johannesburg were barring foreign nationals from accessing hospitals. The KZN Department of Education recently revealed that it has close to 150,000 undocumented learners in its schools. MEC Sipho Hlomuka stated that the prevalence of undocumented learners in schools is one of the most challenging problems affecting the efficiency of their educational system. The latest 2025 Snap Survey indicates that approximately 149,000 undocumented learners are attending their schools. In a statement, Basic Education officials noted that the regulations are designed to ensure that the amendments introduced by the BELA Act, which has been law and fully implementable since December 2023, are implemented in a manner that upholds learners' rights, enhances school functionality, and maintains the careful balance of powers and functions between School Governing Bodies and the government in the proper management and governance of schools. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The gazette addresses regulations regarding admission to schools and capacity. It states: 'The right to basic education extends to everyone within the boundaries of South Africa, regardless of their nationality and immigration status. Learners without valid documentation are equally entitled to admission to public schools as documented learners, provided that their parents submit, within the time frames contemplated in regulation 13, their admission applications in the ordinary course, together with all the required documents that are available to them or a sworn affidavit explaining why they are unable to provide such documents.' It continues that the principal of a public school must, within seven working days of admission, report to the Head of Department (HOD) or the designated education district official any instance where a learner is admitted without valid documentation. The HOD or a person duly authorised by him or her must hold the parents of such learners accountable for acquiring a birth certificate for the learner while they receive education. The regulations also spell out the power of the HOD regarding learner admission and the review of admission policy. 'The HOD is responsible for coordinating learner admissions in public schools in collaboration with school governing bodies, with the aim of ensuring that all eligible learners are accommodated timeously and effectively in terms of the Act. If the HOD believes that a public school's admission policy does not comply with the Act or these Regulations, the governing body must be requested in writing to review and amend the policy,' it states. 'A learner may not be refused admission on grounds that constitute unfair discrimination, including grounds such as race, ethnic or social origin, nationality, colour, gender, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion, conscience, belief, culture, language, pregnancy, HIV and AIDS status, or any other illness. The Act and these Regulations apply equally to learners who are not citizens of the Republic of South Africa.' In a statement, the department said, 'This marks a significant milestone in the responsible and inclusive implementation of the BELA Act, aimed at strengthening the governance, equity, and quality of education for the country's 13.5 million learners.' Gwarube emphasised that the release of these regulations for public comment is an important opportunity for education stakeholders and the broader South African public to actively shape the future of basic education in our country. 'These regulations are instruments that will affect how schools are governed and managed, how children are admitted, and how our values as a society are reflected in our education system. I call on all South Africans, including parents, teachers, school governing bodies, civil society, education experts, and community members to participate meaningfully in this public comment process,' said Gwarube. The South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) said it was still appraising the regulations. 'We are going to submit our comments on or before September 5 as per the Minister's call.' THE MERCURY
The Citizen
25-07-2025
- The Citizen
Education Department devises plans to root out crime in schools
Education Department devises plans to root out crime in schools FOLLOWING a recent break-in at Ganges Secondary School in Merebank, during which computers were stolen, the KZN Department of Education has vowed to take stronger action against school burglaries. In response to the incident, the department held a meeting with the national police launched a new safety initiative on July 23. The aim is to curb the growing number of break-ins affecting schools across the province. The department aims to have forge strong relations with the police in a bid to eradicate criminal activities in schools. Also read: Montclair residents rescue elderly couple from blaze Director of school safety in the department, Sifiso Ngobese said the department also aims to discourage learners from bringing weapons to schools. The recently launched programme aims to curb bullying, gangsterism, substance abuse, and gender-based violence in schools. Ganges Secondary is still grappling with a significant challenge as rampant cable theft, vandalism and criminal activities continue to rear their ugly heads. In February, unknown suspects broke into the school premises and removed 16 CCTV cameras worth more than R70 000. The cameras were installed to enhance safety and security at the school. The National Department of Basic Education, in collaboration with the KZN Department of Education and the police, rolled out the school safety protocol activation programme (SSPP). Also read: Police warn of social media accounts impersonating Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi The programme is designed to enhance security measures, particularly in schools that have already been targeted by criminals. Department spokesperson Muzi Mahlambi said the department is implementing measures to safeguard affected schools and prevent further incidents. 'Following the Safety Protocol to protect the schools that were recently signed by both the ministers of education and police. Among other issues that we are dealing with are the breaking-ins,' said Mahlambi. The school safety protocol programme was signed by Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube and the former Minister of Police, Senzo Mnchunu on June 24. The programme will be rolled out in all provinces in the country. The SSPP is initially targeting schools in areas that are in the top 10 police stations nationwide with the most contact crimes reported in the last quarter report. The department has developed an implementation plan to ensure the effective and adherence to the safety protocol. For more Southlands Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox.
IOL News
24-07-2025
- IOL News
Unemployed Verulam teachers fall victim to R30 000 job scam
The victims were asked for more money for registration. Image: AI Meta The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has issued a warning to unemployed teachers about the rising threat of job scams in the education sector. This was after three unemployed teachers from Verulam fell victim to a fraudulent scheme, losing about R30 000 in total in their desperate search for employment. Prem Balram, the head of Reaction Unit South Africa, said he received requests of assistance from unemployed educators, who claimed they were defrauded of substantial amounts of money with the promise of employment. 'The three complainants were teachers seeking employment in primary and secondary schools. They received WhatsApp messages from different individuals known in the teaching fraternity, with the name, profile picture, and status updates appearing genuine. The message indicated that a teaching post was available and a payment of R3 000 would secure the job,' said Balram. Next Stay Close ✕ He said after the initial payment, the perpetrator requested additional funds from the victims. 'The victims were asked for more money for registration, etc. Eventually, all the victims paid about R10 000 each, believing they would be employed by the KZN Department of Education. 'The victims noted that during WhatsApp conversations, the scammer had comprehensive knowledge of their qualifications, institutions attended, and degree completion dates. "When the teachers, whose images appeared on their profiles on WhatsApp, were approached, they denied knowledge of the conversation or of receiving any funds. At that stage, the victims realised they had been scammed." Balram said one of the victims opened a criminal case at the Verulam police station. Muzi Mahlambi, the spokesperson for the KZN Department of Education, said they have 'continuously' warned unemployed teachers against paying for posts. 'We always warn teachers about paying for jobs. They do not have to pay us to get the jobs. We are the ones who pay them when we have employed them and they are working,' he said. THE POST
IOL News
22-05-2025
- IOL News
KZN man who allegedly raped six Nkandla school pupils, arrested with community's help
A KwaZulu-Natal man has been arrested for the alleged rape of six pupils from a Nkandla high school. Image: Supplied A KwaZulu-Natal man accused of raping six pupils from an Nkandla high school has been arrested with the help of the community. KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Education, Sipho Hlomuka, welcomed the arrest. The suspect was apprehended in Durban on May 20 following a joint effort by law enforcement, community members, and other key stakeholders. According to the KZN Department of Education, the suspect allegedly raped six learners. 'This arrest demonstrates what is possible when communities and stakeholders work together. We remain deeply concerned about the safety of our learners, and this horrific incident has shaken us all. However, the unity shown in tracking down the alleged perpetrator gives us hope that such evil will not go unchallenged,' said Hlomuka. He commended the swift and coordinated response by the police, the school governing body, parents, and local residents who collaborated in ensuring the suspect was located and brought into custody. In response to the trauma experienced by the victims, the Department of Education has deployed psychologists to provide immediate and ongoing psychosocial support to the affected learners and their families. The MEC was expected to visit the school on Thursday to meet with the affected families and the school's leadership. "Our priority is to support the learners through this extremely difficult time and ensure their wellbeing is not compromised further,' Hlomuka added. KZN Premier Thami Ntuli also praised the arrest, highlighting the critical role played by the Bhekisizwe Taxi Association in Nkandla and the broader community in tracking down and detaining the suspect. 'I applaud the courage of those who spoke out, the determination of our law enforcement officers, and the resilience of the Bizimali community,' said Premier Ntuli. Ntuli reaffirmed the provincial government's zero-tolerance stance on gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), stressing that no one, woman, child, or vulnerable person should live in fear. 'Our communities must become safe spaces, and the wheels of justice must turn swiftly and decisively,' he said. He also called for the strengthening of community policing forums, survivor support systems, and for more men to actively stand against abuse. The premier further acknowledged progress in two other GBV-related cases in the province. He welcomed developments in the case of Ayabonga Mjilo, which has been postponed to June 23 and is due to be transferred to the high court. He called for the harshest sentence if the accused is convicted. In the Ndwedwe case, Ntuli condemned the kidnapping and repeated rape of a woman by her former partner and commended the police for the swift arrest of the suspect. 'Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done. We owe it to survivors to ensure they are heard, supported, and protected,' Ntuli said. THE MERCURY
IOL News
06-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
KwaZulu-Natal's Education Department grapples with R250 million debt crisis
Sadtu provincial secretary Nomarashiya Caluza has raised the union's concern about the financial state of the KZN Department of Education. Image: Indepenent Newspapers Archives A financial report has laid bare the deepening financial crises faced by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education, painting a picture of an entity drowning in debt. The department owes close to R250 million to the eThekwini Municipality for water delivered by water tankers, as detailed in the financial report released by the municipality last week. This comes as the department is already battling to service a debt owed by Section 21 schools to the municipality for services. It was not immediately clear over what period the debt has been accumulated, but the report covers the latest period from January to March and details all debts owed to the municipality, including by consumers, business, and government. The financial state of the department is a concern to political parties and the South African Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu), which claims that the department has collapsed financially. KZN Education faced serious budget cuts over the past few years and has revealed that it is struggling to meet its obligations. It has emerged that it has not paid all the suppliers of the school nutrition programme and missed salary payments to Grade R teachers, who were expected to be paid late last week. The financial report stated, 'An amount of R250 million is owed by the Department of Education for the supply of water tankers.' The City's eThekwini Water Services and the Department of Education have established that the water was supplied without a valid Service Level Agreement (SLA) in place; but the issue of the accumulated debt has not been resolved. Discussions are ongoing between the water service and the department on how to resolve the debt issue. The report also indicated that the department's Section 21 schools are struggling to keep up with their accounts, which have fallen into arrears despite a payment arrangement being in place. 'After engagements with the Department of Education, in May 2024, a payment arrangement was concluded for an amount of R169.1m, which was the debt owed by 521 schools at the time. The arrangement was that the department would pay this amount in equal instalments of R11m over 13 months after the initial down payment of R17m was made. The Department of Education has paid as per the agreement, with the last instalment for March still to be received. 'It should be noted that although an arrangement was reached with the Department of Education in May last year, the debt for 521 schools has continued to escalate due to schools not paying their current charges, which have now escalated into arrears,' said the report. The DA spokesperson on Education, Sakhile Mngadi, expressed alarm at the deepening financial implosion within the province's department. He said a crisis is now threatening the well-being of millions of pupils and the constitutional viability of KZN's education system. 'This is no longer just a financial issue. It is a humanitarian and constitutional crisis, born out of poor leadership and a toxic culture of evasion and spin. Every day that passes without urgent intervention places more children at risk, undermines their right to education, and erodes the public's faith in government,' he said. Sadtu provincial secretary Nomarashiya Caluza said the department has collapsed. 'As we speak, some Grade R practitioners have not been paid. The department is struggling to pay service providers for school nutrition programmes, acting personnel have not received acting allowances, and some officials cannot attend important workshops. Some service providers that assisted with stationery at the beginning of the year have not been paid. "Schools have not received their full basic allocation for 2024. What else do we need to see to say that the department has collapsed?' she asked. Addressing the issue of unpaid school nutrition service providers, the department said it is addressing this and blamed a system glitch for the delay in payment. 'We acknowledge the concerns raised by our valued service providers and wish to assure them that the department is doing everything possible to resolve the technical glitches affecting payment processes. The problem has nothing to do with the financial difficulties of the department, as the NSNP is paid from the grant allocation. We remain committed to transparency, timely communication, and the uninterrupted provision of meals to our pupils across the province,' it said. Speaking on the issue of the debt, Education Department spokesperson Muzi Mahlambi said: 'We are in agreement with them (municipality) as to how this is being addressed. We hold meetings with them and discuss these issues.' THE MERCURY
