South Coast Schools Raise Concerns Over Infrastructure and Learning Resources

Schools across the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast are continuing to raise concerns about deteriorating infrastructure and a lack of adequate learning resources, with educators saying the conditions are increasingly affecting the quality of education in many communities.

Teachers from rural settlements say they are working under difficult circumstances, with overcrowded classrooms, ageing buildings and limited access to basic teaching materials remaining persistent challenges.

In some schools, classrooms are holding far more learners than they were designed for, forcing teachers to adjust lessons in ways that are not always effective. In other cases, schools are dealing with infrastructure problems such as damaged roofing, broken windows and inadequate sanitation facilities, which disrupt learning time and create unsafe conditions.

Parents and school governing bodies have also stepped forward, saying the situation has been affecting learners for years without enough visible improvement. Many believe that rural and township schools are especially under pressure, with limited resources widening the gap between well-resourced and struggling institutions.

“You can see that teachers are trying, but the conditions are not right. When children are packed into one classroom and don’t have enough books or desks, it becomes very difficult for proper learning to happen,” one of the parents said.

School governing body member said basic needs are still not being met in several schools. “We keep raising these issues, but progress is slow. We are not asking for anything extra, just proper classrooms, working toilets and enough learning materials for our children,” the representative said.

Education officials have acknowledged the challenges facing schools in the region, noting that infrastructure backlogs and resource constraints continue to affect delivery. They say work is underway to improve maintenance and strengthen support to schools, although many institutions are still waiting for upgrades and supplies to reach them.

Despite these assurances, pressure continues to mount from communities who feel that more urgent intervention is needed to ensure that learners across the South Coast receive a stable and supportive learning environment.