IN CONVERSATION WITH Mr Sakhile Mngadi (The DA spokesperson on Education)
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The Democratic Alliance (DA) in KwaZulu-Natal has called for the resignation of Nkosinathi Ngcobo, Head of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education (DoE), citing ongoing financial instability and administrative mismanagement.
According to DA Education spokesperson Sakhile Mngadi, the department has faced a series of challenges under Ngcobo’s leadership, including irregular procurement processes and mismanagement of the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP). The department is now reportedly unable to pay service providers, which Mngadi described as a “clear sign of failed leadership at the administrative level.”
Mngadi acknowledged that KwaZulu-Natal has endured cumulative budget cuts of R26 billion over the past six years but argued that poor management and reckless decisions have exacerbated the crisis. He specifically highlighted the absorption of temporary Covid-19 support staff onto the permanent payroll without sustainable funding, further straining limited resources.
“The reality is that while all provinces face austerity, KZN’s DoE has become uniquely unstable because of maladministration. It is unacceptable that by mid-financial year, the department is already unable to pay suppliers. This is not just a financial crisis—it is an assault on the right to basic education for millions of learners in KZN,” Mngadi said.
The department Is now under Section 18 of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), granting provincial Treasury oversight of its spending to prevent further financial collapse. Mngadi described this as a damning indictment of Ngcobo and senior management, stating: “The DA calls for the immediate removal of HOD Ngcobo, as his continued presence undermines efforts to restore stability and accountability. The future of our children cannot be entrusted to an administration tainted by maladministration and incapable of basic financial discipline.”
Mngadi also urged KZN Premier Thami Ntuli to support Minister Siviwe Gwarube and MEC Rodgers in reform efforts, emphasizing that education is the most critical investment in the province’s future and that accountability at the highest levels is essential.
In response, DoE spokesperson Muzi Mahlambi noted that the financial challenges affect not only KZN but the entire education sector, with KZN particularly impacted due to its size. Mahlambi stated that budget cuts over the years—including an R80 billion provincial reduction—have placed significant pressure on the department. Both the Minister and the Premier have committed to engaging with the President and Minister of Finance regarding the issue. “This issue cannot be attributed to an individual,” Mahlambi said.
The debate highlights ongoing tensions over fiscal management and accountability in KwaZulu-Natal’s education system, with millions of learners potentially affected if structural reforms are not swiftly implemented
According to DA Education spokesperson Sakhile Mngadi, the department has faced a series of challenges under Ngcobo’s leadership, including irregular procurement processes and mismanagement of the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP). The department is now reportedly unable to pay service providers, which Mngadi described as a “clear sign of failed leadership at the administrative level.”
Mngadi acknowledged that KwaZulu-Natal has endured cumulative budget cuts of R26 billion over the past six years but argued that poor management and reckless decisions have exacerbated the crisis. He specifically highlighted the absorption of temporary Covid-19 support staff onto the permanent payroll without sustainable funding, further straining limited resources.
“The reality is that while all provinces face austerity, KZN’s DoE has become uniquely unstable because of maladministration. It is unacceptable that by mid-financial year, the department is already unable to pay suppliers. This is not just a financial crisis—it is an assault on the right to basic education for millions of learners in KZN,” Mngadi said.
The department Is now under Section 18 of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), granting provincial Treasury oversight of its spending to prevent further financial collapse. Mngadi described this as a damning indictment of Ngcobo and senior management, stating: “The DA calls for the immediate removal of HOD Ngcobo, as his continued presence undermines efforts to restore stability and accountability. The future of our children cannot be entrusted to an administration tainted by maladministration and incapable of basic financial discipline.”
Mngadi also urged KZN Premier Thami Ntuli to support Minister Siviwe Gwarube and MEC Rodgers in reform efforts, emphasizing that education is the most critical investment in the province’s future and that accountability at the highest levels is essential.
In response, DoE spokesperson Muzi Mahlambi noted that the financial challenges affect not only KZN but the entire education sector, with KZN particularly impacted due to its size. Mahlambi stated that budget cuts over the years—including an R80 billion provincial reduction—have placed significant pressure on the department. Both the Minister and the Premier have committed to engaging with the President and Minister of Finance regarding the issue. “This issue cannot be attributed to an individual,” Mahlambi said.
The debate highlights ongoing tensions over fiscal management and accountability in KwaZulu-Natal’s education system, with millions of learners potentially affected if structural reforms are not swiftly implemented
