Unpaid subsidies have left Tongaat crèches without food or salaries, forcing staff to work without pay and children to go hungry.

Tongaat Early Development Forum chair, Hlengiwe Hlophe, described how the Education department’s failure to pay subsidies has led to severe shortfalls, making it increasingly difficult for Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres to operate.

“My staff of seven have not received their salaries since March but continue to show up for work regardless. We have experienced this so many times that we have developed a survival strategy for times like this,” Hlophe said.

There are 13 crèches under the Tongaat ECD Forum, of which only five qualify for government funding. However, all face similar financial challenges.

Hlophe said the subsidy is allocated as follows: 40% for groceries, 40% for maintenance and 20% for staff wages.

Of the 80 children in her Hambanathi crèche, only 40 families can afford to pay fees – which are kept low due to the subsidy.

“I’m forced to give them whatever food is available. I cannot send them home hungry, especially when some come from disadvantaged households where proper meals are not guaranteed,” she said.

When subsidy payments are delayed, Hlophe often relies on her personal savings to keep the centre running.

“With a municipal water bill of over R100 000, there’s a lot to cover each month,” she said.

The Education department took over responsibility for ECDs in 2022.

In the absence of reliable government support, non-profit organisations have stepped in to keep the centres afloat.

The Restore Africa Foundation, led by Ballito resident Eduard Louw, has been assisting by establishing sustainable food gardens and helping with various maintenance issues.The Education department had not responded at the time of publication.

Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news.

Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you’re on desktop, scan the QR code below.