Long-serving Grade R teachers in KwaZulu-Natal say they are being denied job security and benefits despite years of service, after 500 permanent appointments were announced.
On Friday, the South African Democratic Teacher’s Union (SADTU) marched through the streets of Durban to several issues including the mounting frustration of temporary Grade R teachers.
The temporary KZN teachers are dissatisfied that they have not been absorbed into the education system as permanent teachers.
They said despite many years of dedicated service they were yet to enjoy the benefits of being a permanent teacher.
Sameera Abdul has been a contracted Grade R teacher at Greenheights Primary School for 15 years.
“I earn a basic salary without benefits. I am responsible for 41 Grade R learners. It’s one of the hardest tasks and I don’t get paid well. New teachers come in and I have to mentor them but I don’t get paid for this. It’s not fair.
“We go beyond the call of duty participating in fundraisers, yet we work on a contract basis. Permanent teachers get a bonus and medical aid. In December we get paid on the 13th.
“We have to make do with a single salary up to the end of January,” said Abdul.
She said this was an injustice.
The KZN Department of Education has allocated 500 permanent teachers positions in the province.
“I was not among those who got those permanent posts. We are waiting to be on the conversion list. It’s frustrating to experience this,” said Abdul.
According to Abdul most of SADTU’s grievances have been sorted out but the Grade R matter had yet to be resolved.
Catherine Cassa, a Grade R teacher at Umdloti Primary School near Verulam has been in her temporary role for 11 years.
“The department informed us that they don’t have enough funds. Our posts are relevant. We have a continuous influx of learners. You cannot expect people to teach for so many years and earn R10 500
a month. We are not meeting our basic daily expenses.
“It’s frustrating. Recently I was diagnosed with breast cancer and needed medical aid. I cannot afford my living expenses on my salary,” said Cassa.
She said temporary teachers were being taken advantage of. She said over 300 temporary teachers were on her WhatsApp group chat. These are teachers in the northern areas alone.
Another temporary teacher, Shavin Sookoo from Greenbury Primary has worked at the school for 16 years.
He said it was confusing when teachers were informed that no permanent posts were available and then the department employed 500 Grade R teachers permanently.
Sookoo was not among this cohort of teachers who became permanent staff.
“It’s frustrating being a Grade R teacher as there are no benefits, no medical aid, no bonuses yet we are doing so much of work. It has impacted my life drastically as I can’t apply for loans, for a house
or car,” said Sookoo.
According to Sookoo the small salary temporary teachers received have to be used carefully.
He chose to become a teacher because he loved children. However, he described the treatment of Grade R teacher as “sad and unfortunate”.
Sookoo is contemplating working abroad.
SADTU’s march on Friday aimed to urge the KZN Department of Education:
To permanently employ temporary Grade R learners.
To fill office based vacancies.
To appoint substitute teachers.
To implement HRM 10 of 2026.
Address the collapsing state of special needs schools.
Thirona Moodley, Spokesperson for the National Professional Teachers’ Organisation of South Africa said it was alarming and frustrating to note that the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education failed to create new posts for 2027.
“Financial constraints has once again been advanced as justification. This continued failure to address the staffing needs of schools raises serious concerns about the Department’s priorities, its planning processes and its commitment,” she said.