More than 1500 teachers appointed in KZN

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has appointed more than 1 500 new teachers in a concerted effort to boost teaching capacity and ensure that no classroom is left without qualified teachers.

According to the department, between January and April 2025, it appointed 1 530 Post Level 1 teachers.

“The filling of these posts aim at ensuring that there are no classes without a teacher,” it added.

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Filling critical subject posts

According to Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka, many of the newly filled positions were in high-demand subject areas such as Mathematics, Mathematical Literacy, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, and technical subjects.

Several posts were also allocated to new subjects introduced to the curriculum.

“This achievement underscores our commitment to providing quality education to pupils across the province of KwaZulu-Natal,” said Hlomuka.

“The filling of these critical posts is a significant milestone for the department, as it will enable us to improve the teacher-to-pupil ratio, enhance teaching and learning, and ultimately improve student outcomes.”

The department also reported progress in filling 737 teaching posts advertised in September 2024.

By the end of March 2025, the majority of these vacancies had been successfully filled.

“These posts have become vacant, as a result of attrition, such as retirements, deaths, promotions and resignation,” Hlomuka added.

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Stakeholder support acknowledged

Hlomuka extended his gratitude to key stakeholders, including teachers’ unions and education sector partners, for their role in facilitating the recruitment process.

“Their tireless efforts and commitment to the education sector have been instrumental in achieving this milestone,” he said.

“The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education is committed to continuing its efforts to improve the quality of education in the province.”

The department concluded that these appointments mark a step forward in stabilising classroom instruction and ensuring consistent curriculum delivery across the province’s schools.

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