KZN grade R teachers accuse MEC Hlomuka of lying over salary payments

FRUSTRATED Grade R teachers in KwaZulu-Natal have spoken out against the province's Education MEC, Sipho Hlomuka, after he claimed that all outstanding salaries for Grade R educators were settled. 

The teachers, however, have vehemently denied this statement, accusing the MEC of misleading the public.

During a media briefing on Wednesday, convened by KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli, Hlomuka announced that the department had finally cleared all outstanding payments for Grade R teachers, whose salaries were supposed to have been settled by April. 

He stated that the issue was due to the failure to renew contracts for Grade 1 teachers before the financial year ended, which had delayed payments.

"In terms of the educators for Grade 1, there was a challenge because we did not renew their contracts before the end of the financial year; this, unfortunately, affected the payment of salaries because there were no contracts. But we have resolved that now, and they were all paid today (Wednesday)," said Hlomuka. 

However, several Grade R teachers have refuted the MEC’s claims. Nonhlanhla Zuma, a Grade R teacher with 10 years of experience, said: “What the MEC said is far from the truth. It’s a complete lie. We are going hungry and struggling because we haven’t received our pay. Why is the department treating us this way?” said Zuma. 

She expressed frustration, saying that she had been unable to pay for her daughter’s school transport or school fees due to the non-payment.

Despite having a decade of teaching experience, Zuma, like many others, remained on a renewable contract, which was often delayed due to administrative issues. 

These delays, teachers allege, have been unnecessarily prolonged. 

Another teacher, with 14 years of experience, shared her distress in a letter to the Daily News. She explained, "I’m the sole provider for my family. Without a salary, there’s no food or transport for my children. It’s heartbreaking. The department has no regard for us. And as women in this profession, we face even more challenges."

She added that, after over 10 years in the department, she remained in a temporary position, without the security of a pension fund, raising concerns about her family's future in the event of her death.

A third Grade R teacher from Durban also voiced her discontent, saying, “The MEC lied. Many of us, including myself, have not received a cent. This is mistreatment at its worst. The Premier needs to step in and hold the department accountable."

The teacher, who wished to remain anonymous, warned that if salaries are not paid by Monday, she and other affected educators will go on strike.

"How can we continue working when we’re being treated like this? It’s unfair, and it’s the children and parents who will ultimately suffer if we have to stop working,” she said.

The ongoing salary delays have sparked anger among educators, leaving many in a dire financial situation.

Teachers' unions, the South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU)  and the National Teachers Union (NATU), have called for accountability, with calls for Premier Ntuli to sack MEC Mahlambi amid the litany of crises besetting the education department in KZN.

Attempts to reach the provincial education department spokesperson, Muzi Mahlambi, for comment were unsuccessful

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