Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Sesotho soundbites by Jafta Mokoena MPL and Afrikaans soundbite by Werner Pretorius MPL.
– 608 schools in the Free State without LTSM funding
– Schools complying with legislation continue to receive their LTSM funding allocations
– Schools and SGBs must receive support to ensure the lawful use of funds
The Democratic Alliance (DA) is concerned by the number of schools that have not received Learning and Teaching Support Material (LTSM) funding from the Free State Department of Education. The withholding of these funds has left many learners without essential learning resources, directly impacting teaching and learning.
In response to a question submitted to the MEC for Education, Dr Mamiki Maboya, the Department confirmed that LTSM funds for 608 schools across the province had been retained. When hundreds of schools are unable to access funding, learners are placed at a disadvantage, educators are forced to work with limited resources, and schools are hindered in their ability to create an environment conducive to academic success.
We welcome the Department’s indication that its blanket approach to withholding LTSM funding is under review and that schools administering these funds in compliance with legislation will continue to receive their allocations.
The DA will closely monitor the implementation of this decision and hold the Department accountable for ensuring that schools and School Governing Bodies (SGBs) receive the necessary support and capacity-building to comply with legislative requirements governing the utilisation of funds.