THE South African National Association for Special Education (Sanase) has rejected the KZN Department of Education’s apology over the delayed subsidy payment to special schools, labelling it as empty promises. The organisation does not believe the department will live up to its word after months of neglect and abandonment.

Also read: Department apologises as special schools shut down over unpaid funds

This comes in the wake of the shutdown of several special schools across the province last week, including Montclair’s Khulangolwazi Special School and Ningizimu Special School. Parents and the SGB said they had no choice following months of unpaid subsidies, unfilled positions and the lack of core resources, making it impossible to continue.

The department’s apology:

The department blamed the late payment on unforeseen technical glitches that had disrupted its processing schedule.

“While the payment run was originally scheduled for October 16, it has been rescheduled to October 20. Affected schools are expected to receive their subsidies by October 23,” read the statement.

Sanase dismisses KZN Department of Education’s apology:

Sahara Jagnath, KZN chairperson for Sanase, said the association does not have much confidence that the department will meet its promise.

“We accept and note the media statement made by the KZN Department of Education. But given the history of broken promises and failed commitments from the past, we do not put much faith that what they have promised will ever happen,” she said.

Mounting frustrations:

The department has also not provided the school with its full allocation of funds for this year, which has made it difficult for the school to manage itself. According to the Sanase memorandum handed over to the premier’s office, for the 2025 financial year the department was assumed to pay special needs schools four tranches a year as opposed to the previous norm of one tranche per year.

“Special schools in KZN have all received a quarter of the annual allocation at the end of August 2025, with five schools of 77 receiving a second allocation in the first week of September 2025,” read the memorandum.

Also read: No support, no schooling: Khulangolwazi Special School closes its doors on empty promises

Other issues not highlighted:

Jagnath said their statement only speaks of the delay in subsidy but does not say anything about the amount being released, or whether it is the second, third or final tranche.

Aside from the issue of finance, Sanase has also raised alarm over a series of other longstanding issues which the department’s statement failed to address. These include the  lack of support staff, ongoing transport concerns with busses going in for repairs and not returning, and inadequate classroom space.

Jagnath said that the department’s release showed no indication of intent towards open dialogue or collaboration with stakeholders.

“There’s no commitment to even come to the table or the drawing board to discuss all the other issues,” she said.

KZN MEC for Education reinforces commitment to special schools:

KZN MEC for Education Sipho Hlomuka said that they are committed towards supporting learners with special needs and ensuring the continuity of their learning.

“We value the dedication of special schools and their staff, and we appreciate their patience, understanding and co-operation as we work to resolve this,” said Hlomuka.

Though the apology by the department acknowledged the vital role of special schools, Sanase believes words alone are not enough.

Until conversations between the department and Sanase begins, schools like Khulangolwazi and Ningizimu will remain closed, and learners will have their last and most important term delayed.

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.