Thousands of education posts vacant

DESPITE record rates of unemployment in the 15-24 age group (60.7%) and 25-34s (39.8%), the KZN Department of Education (DoE) failed to fill 3 198 critical vacancies.

These include 685 posts for principals, 389 for deputy principals, 1 215 for departmental heads and 909 for teachers.

This was revealed in a written parliamentary reply by Education MEC Mbali Frazer to KZN Legislature Speaker Nontembeko Boyce.

Reacting to the news, DA KZN Spokesperson on

Education Dr Imran Keeka said not filling these vacancies does not bode well in ensuring quality education.

“These are government-funded vacancies that have not been filled, to the detriment of KZN’s learners. Larger class sizes and a lack of school leadership, such as permanent principals and senior management teams, result in instability and infighting. It also leads to unhealthy and possibly corrupt filling of vacancies,” said Keeka.

Keeka argued that in instances where posts are unfilled for prolonged periods, some individuals remain in acting posts for too long.

He said this creates an unfair expectation, with many feeling they are entitled to the post.

“We are aware that at least 1 800 qualified educators are sitting at home in our province, while their degrees and experience collect dust,” he said.

“While millions of KZN’s learners are unwittingly disadvantaged as a result of inadequate political leadership within KZN’s educational system, MEC Frazer and her department continue to blame budget cuts.”

According to the DoE in

King Cetshwayo District, there are 151 vacant positions and recruitment is under way.