THERE is a glimmer of hope in KwaZulu-Natal schools, after the announcement of about 3,000 vacancies for principals, deputy principals and those who will oversee courses.
These vacancies are advertised under HRM Circular 10, 2026. The Minister of the Ministry, Mr. Sipho Hlomuka, said that they have released 3,002 vacancies for principals, their deputies as well as those in charge of studies.
He said they promoted themselves to strengthen education in the province.
“We are committed to strengthening education in the province. We stand by the fact that we want to continue to do well when it comes to results.”
He said that not only the vacancies will be closed but the management of the schools will be strengthened.
“We put students first and that’s why we are strengthening the management of schools. We urge teachers to apply for these advertised vacancies within the specified time,” he said.
Of the 1,784 vacancies advertised, 673 were principals, and 545 were vice principals.
It will be remembered that there is always a complaint in the province, from unemployed teachers complaining about the lack of vacancies in the Department.
The Department has always pointed out that it is facing financial pressure which makes it unable to fill other vacancies. Unemployed teachers even marched to the Ministry’s offices, in some cases they slept outside for days, complaining of hunger for work.
There is a conflict when vacancies are advertised for principals, their deputies as well as those in charge of departments. What is causing a stir is that there are many who are vying for promotion to these administrative positions.
The provincial department made history in last year’s matric results, ranking first compared to other provinces. This happened on top of the problems faced by the Department of not being able to fill the vacancies of inspectors and circuit managers due to money.
The Department is unable to pay the businessmen it works with on time because of money. Even the provincial Premier, Mr. Thami Ntuli, as well as the national MEC, Ms. Siviwe Gwarube, intervened in the problem facing the Department but the situation has not changed.