FREE STATE – More than 600 schools in the Free State have not received funding for learning and teaching support materials (LTSM), leaving thousands of learners without essential resources and forcing educators to work with limited materials.

The Free State Department of Education confirmed that LTSM funds for 608 schools across the province had been withheld. The funds are used to purchase textbooks, stationery and other essential teaching resources.

The withholding of funds has directly impacted teaching and learning, with schools unable to provide the materials necessary for quality education. Some schools have been left with debts to service providers who have already delivered materials but are awaiting payment.

The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) in the Free State has condemned the sudden halt of LTSM allocations, saying it has immediate and far-reaching consequences for learners, educators and the broader schooling community.

The union said the stoppage undermines constitutional and legislative obligations to provide learners with access to basic education as enshrined in Section 29 of the Constitution.

SADTU also raised concerns that school governing bodies were not consulted when the decision was taken, as required by Section 14 of the Basic Education Laws Amendment (Bela) Act 32 of 2024.

The department has indicated that its blanket approach to withholding LTSM funding is under review. Schools that administer funds in compliance with legislation will continue to receive their allocations.

However, concerns have been raised that schools and school governing bodies need adequate support and capacity-building to meet compliance requirements and ensure the lawful use of funds.

The department has not provided a timeline for when the 608 affected schools will receive their outstanding LTSM funding.

SADTU has called for the immediate restoration of funds, noting that schools have already budgeted for these allocations. The union has requested an urgent meeting with the MEC for Education, Dr Mamiki Maboya, and the head of department.

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