- EFF says KZN education department failed to secure stationery before schools reopen on Wednesday.
- The party warns poor planning will hurt pupils from poor communities the most.
The EFF in KwaZulu-Natal has accused the provincial Department of Education of failing to secure stationery before schools reopen.
The party says this puts more than two million pupils at risk of starting the school year without basic learning tools.
The EFF raised the concerns during its uMntwana Esikoleni campaign. Party members visited several schools across the province and spoke to teachers about the challenges they face.
The EFF said stationery orders were placed too late, despite long standing practice that procurement should be done at least a year in advance.
Because of this, the party said stationery will not arrive on time for the reopening of schools on 14 January 2026.
Even if it does arrive later, the EFF warned it will likely be too little.
The party also raised concerns about textbooks. It said there is no clear and properly funded plan to make sure all learners get books.
The EFF said these problems are not accidents.
It said poor and working class children are being left behind, while children of politicians attend private and former Model C schools with enough resources.
On Tuesday, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli also admitted that serious problems remain in the education system.
Speaking at the matric awards ceremony at the Durban ICC, Ntuli said it would be dishonest to ignore the challenges facing schools.
He said many learners still attend overcrowded and poorly resourced schools that need urgent repairs.
“These conditions put pressure on both learners and teachers and limit proper teaching and learning,” Ntuli said.
The education department has not yet responded to the EFF’s claims.
Pictured above: EFF members raising concerns about stationery shortages at KZN schools.
Image source: Gift of the Givers
