KZN education funding crisis threatens 2026 academic year

KZN’s education system is facing an unprecedented financial crisis, with the provincial Department of Treasury confirming it has no funds available to procure essential learning and teaching support materials (LTSM) for the 2026 academic year.

Treasury dismissed claims that it is deliberately withholding approval for these purchases, clarifying instead that the department’s own financial mismanagement has left classrooms across the province vulnerable.

Treasury spokesperson Nkosikhona Duma revealed that the Department of Education (DoE) overspent its 2024/25 budget, leaving behind excessive accruals. As a result, the department is now under a Section 18 intervention of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).

“In line with this intervention, Treasury must ensure funds are utilised in a fiscally prudent manner. At present, [the DoE] does not have the required funds for the procurement of LTSM for the upcoming school year. Without these funds, Treasury cannot approve any new orders,” said Duma.

Deepening inequality

This revelation has sparked fears that many learners may begin 2026 without textbooks, stationery and other critical resources, threatening teaching and learning across one of South Africa’s largest metric leaner enroller provinces.

Analysts warn that such shortages could deepen existing inequalities in education, particularly at under-resourced rural schools where learners already face overcrowded classrooms and limited access to learning materials.

Duma added that officials from both Treasury and the DoE will meet tomorrow (Thursday) in an attempt to resolve the crisis.

However, with just months before the 2026 academic year begins, uncertainty looms over whether or not solutions can be found in time.

If unresolved, this budget shortfall could have far-reaching consequences for the future of education in KZN, disrupting not only the 2026 academic year, but also undermining the province’s long-term efforts to improve learning outcomes and opportunities for its youth.

Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube, in collaboration with KZN Premier Thami Ntuli, Finance MEC Francois Rodgers, Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka, and other senior government officials, recently participated in a high-level engagement aimed at addressing the financial challenges confronting the DoE.

Don’t have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here:

HAVE YOUR SAY