AFTER three weeks of disruption, learners in some special schools across KZN, including Khulangolwazi Special School in Montclair, returned to class on Wednesday, October 29, following a meeting with the Premier of KZN, Thamsanqa Ntuli.

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

The meeting:

The reopening marks a temporary resolution to a crisis that saw several special schools close their doors earlier this month in protest over delayed subsidy payments, staff shortages and ongoing transport challenges.

Xolile Nyuswa, school governing body (SGB) chairperson at Khulangolwazi Special School, confirmed that learners resumed attending school this week.

“We met with the premier on Tuesday and schools opened on Wednesday; the premier requested a week to consult, and he will revert next week to meet us,” said Nyuswa.

The issue:

The closures were led by members of the South African National Association for Special Education (Sanase), who wanted to bring attention to a host of challenges faced by special schools, including delayed funding and a general lack of essential resources.

KZN Department of Education’s response:

In a statement, the KZN Department of Education confirmed that the quarter II norms and standards payments to special schools had been processed, following intensified pressure from school parents and Sanase.

“The Department of Education is pleased to confirm that the payment of Norms and Standards to special schools for quarter II is complete. We are aware of delays that do occur in the disbursement process and are working diligently to ensure timely and consistent payment to all qualifying special schools,” read the statement.

The department further encouraged school management teams at all 76 special schools in the province to contact district offices should there be further problems, affirming its commitment to equality and quality education for all learners.

While the resumption of classes has brought relief to parents and teachers, Sanase and the SGB have indicated that deeper issues remain unresolved, which include the need for filling vacant support staff positions and reliable learner transport.

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.