R2-billion to upgrade KZN school infrastructure
Teachers unions in KwaZulu-Natal have welcomed the allocation of more than R2-billion to upgrade school infrastructure and maintain facilities.
Education MEC Mthandeni Dlungwana made the announcement during his budget speech at the Provincial Legislature in Pietermartizburg yesterday.
Dlungwana tabled a total budget of R50.9-billion for the 2018/2019 financial year.
He said a large chunk of the budget will also go towards scholar transport and providing sanitary pads.
NOW READ: KZN Education refutes claims sanitary towels uncertified
SADTU's Nomarashiya Caluza says some children are learning in appalling conditions.
"There are schools that do not have proper toilets and there are schools that were damaged by storms that have not yet been attended to. All those things need to be prioritised," she said.
Teachers affiliated to SADTU and NATU also picketed outside the legislature during Dlungwana's budget speech.
Many of them are up in arms over a payment delay for Grade R teachers.
Education spokesperson, Muzi Mahlambi said yesterday that the department is not yet in a position to respond to their concerns, as no formal memorandum had been handed over.
Meanwhile, the DA has lashed out at Education, saying Dlungwana must stop hiding from his department's failings.
The party's spokesperson for Education, Rishigen Viranna says the MEC must explain why some Grade R teachers have not been paid.
Viranna went on to say that Dlungwana must be removed from his post if he cannot provide answers to the teachers.
Dlungwana tabled a total budget of R50.9-billion for the 2018/2019 financial year.
He said a large chunk of the budget will also go towards scholar transport and providing sanitary pads.
NOW READ: KZN Education refutes claims sanitary towels uncertified
SADTU's Nomarashiya Caluza says some children are learning in appalling conditions.
"There are schools that do not have proper toilets and there are schools that were damaged by storms that have not yet been attended to. All those things need to be prioritised," she said.
Teachers affiliated to SADTU and NATU also picketed outside the legislature during Dlungwana's budget speech.
Many of them are up in arms over a payment delay for Grade R teachers.
Education spokesperson, Muzi Mahlambi said yesterday that the department is not yet in a position to respond to their concerns, as no formal memorandum had been handed over.
Meanwhile, the DA has lashed out at Education, saying Dlungwana must stop hiding from his department's failings.
The party's spokesperson for Education, Rishigen Viranna says the MEC must explain why some Grade R teachers have not been paid.
Viranna went on to say that Dlungwana must be removed from his post if he cannot provide answers to the teachers.