KZN special schools facing closure as Education Department apologises for subsidy delays

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has issued an apology to special schools across the province, acknowledging the inconvenience and distress caused by delays in the payment of crucial subsidies.

This comes after the South African National Association of Special Education (Sanase) advocated for the closure of special schools, citing various operational challenges.

The department attributed the delay to unforeseen technical glitches that affected the processing timeline.

It said the payment run, initially scheduled for Thursday, has been rescheduled for Monday, October 20. Subsidies for the affected schools are anticipated by Thursday, October 23.

“We value the dedication of special schools and their staff, and we appreciate their patience, understanding, and cooperation as we work to resolve this matter,” KZN Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka said.

The department apologised for the delayed payments, which have caused inconvenience and distress. It also said it recognises the crucial role special schools play in offering high-quality education and essential support to pupils with special needs.

It added that it is steadfast in its commitment to pupils with special needs, guaranteeing they continue to receive essential education, care, and resources.

Meanwhile, DA KZN Education spokesperson, Sakhile Mngadi, said the party is concerned about the closure and financial collapse of several special schools because of the department’s ongoing failure to pay subsidies timeously. 

Citing examples, he said Truro Prevocational School in Chatsworth has officially closed due to insolvency, while Pro Nobis School for Learners with Special Needs in Dundee, which serves over 300 children from across northern KZN, is on the brink of closure after months of delayed payments.

“These funding delays have left schools unable to pay staff or cover essentials such as electricity, security and insurance. Despite repeated appeals by school governing bodies and associations, the department has failed to act,” Mngadi said. 

“This is not an administrative oversight - it is a violation of the rights and dignity of KZN’s most vulnerable learners.” 

Earlier this week, the KZN Department of Education rejected Sanase’s call to close special schools in the province due to operational challenges. 

Sanase had requested the closure of all special schools until further notice, citing issues such as funding shortages, staff shortages, and inadequate transportation. 

Reacting, MEC Hlomuka emphasised that only the department has the authority to close schools and described Sanase’s call as illegal. He acknowledged the challenges faced by special schools but insisted that proper communication and engagement with the department are essential. The department is actively working with the provincial treasury to address budgetary constraints affecting these schools.

KZN Education HOD Nkosinathi Ngcobo acknowledged challenges due to budgetary constraints and is working with provincial treasury to resolve them. He assured that engagements are ongoing and the issue will be resolved.

thobeka.ngema@inl.co.za