KZN SADTU threatens legal action over delayed learning materials

The South African Democratic Teachers' Union (SADTU) in KwaZulu-Natal has threatened legal action against the provincial department of education over delayed stationery delivery to schools.

The union said it's inundated with calls from a number of school principals who say they are not ready to begin the 2026 academic year.

SADTU said it wants swift action from the department.

It said that while all 11 districts received their awards for best performance in the matric class of 2025, some schools in these districts are not able to start teaching and learning for 2026.

The union said once again, the province has started its academic calendar with glitches.

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"On Saturday last week, we analysed the survey that we executed because we wanted to know whether schools are ready. 2,147 school principals responded on the online survey stating their challenges,"said provincial secretary, Nomarashiya Caluza.

Caluza said out of the affected schools, over 50 percent cannot proceed with teaching and learning.

"And reasons for uneasiness is that they’ve not received stationery from the department and those that buy for themselves have not received the norms and standards."

Caluza said SADTU will drag the department to court to demand accountability.

The department, however, said all schools should be sorted before the end of the week.