Hundreds of unemployed teachers marched in Pietermaritzburg on Thursday, calling for urgent action from the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education.
The protest took place outside the department’s offices, where frustrated graduates voiced concern over the growing lack of job opportunities. Many said they have been without work for months, while others have waited for years despite being qualified.
March leader Nontethelelo Zuma said the situation is unfair and confusing. She explained that while many schools in the province face teacher shortages, unemployed educators are still not being placed.
“We are ready and willing to work, even in rural areas, but we are being ignored,” Zuma said.
Protesters warned that the failure to employ teachers could lead to serious problems in schools. These include overcrowded classrooms and increased pressure on teachers who are already working.
Some demonstrators also raised concerns about transparency in hiring, claiming that opportunities are not easily accessible.
The protest is part of ongoing demonstrations by unemployed teachers across the province. They are demanding clear answers and immediate placements.
At the time of reporting, the Department of Education had not responded to the concerns raised by the protesting teachers.
Email: motshwari@onenews.co.za
