Durban, South Africa – The Federation of Governing Bodies of South African Schools (FEDSAS) has urged the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) in KwaZulu-Natal to continue offering extra classes despite an ongoing dispute over unpaid overtime. The appeal comes as tensions escalate between educators and the provincial education department over unmet financial obligations.
Unpaid Overtime and Broken Promises
SADTU has accused the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education of failing to pay basic financial allocations for overtime, leaving schools struggling to cover operational costs. The union has also highlighted several other grievances, including:
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Unpaid acting allowances
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Non-compliance with collective agreements
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Delayed school funding allocations
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Unilateral changes in payment structures
In response, SADTU has initiated a “work-to-rule” protest, where teachers only perform their contracted duties—refusing to conduct extra classes or administrative tasks beyond school hours.
FEDSAS Appeals for Continuity, But Unions Stand Firm
FEDSAS has called on teachers to resume extra lessons, arguing that additional tuition is crucial for learners, particularly with exams approaching. However, NAPTOSA CEO Thirona Moodley has backed SADTU’s stance, stating that educators can no longer work under worsening conditions.
“Teachers are professionals, but they have reached the end of the road with negotiating,” Moodley said. “Schools lack basic resources—electricity is being cut, municipal bills are unpaid, and there’s no money for stationery. How can teaching continue like this?”
Provincial Education Department “Has Collapsed,” Unions Say
Both SADTU and NAPTOSA have declared the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education “collapsed” and are demanding urgent intervention from the national government.
“This department has been failing for years,” Moodley said. “We don’t understand why the DBE [Department of Basic Education] is not stepping in. Schools can’t even afford substitute teachers for those on leave.”
What’s Next?
With no resolution in sight, the standoff threatens to disrupt learning further, particularly for matriculants preparing for final exams. While FEDSAS emphasizes the need for extra lessons, unions insist that the department must first address its financial mismanagement before expecting additional work from educators.
As the crisis deepens, calls grow for the national government to place the provincial department under administration—a move both SADTU and NAPTOSA fully support.
“This is not business as usual,” Moodley warned. “If we don’t take drastic action now, the entire education system in KZN will keep failing our learners.”