By Levy Masiteng
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has advertised 3,002 school-based promotional posts, including positions for departmental heads, deputy principals, and principals, in a move aimed at filling leadership vacancies across the province’s public schools.
The department listed the vacancies under HRM Circulars 10 & 11 of 2026 on its official recruitment pages. The advertised posts comprise 1,784 departmental head posts, 545 deputy principal posts and 673 principal posts.
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KwaZulu-Natal Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka said the appointments were intended to strengthen capacity in the school system.
“We are resolute in our mission to build a resilient and high-performing education system in KwaZulu-Natal. These appointments will not only fill critical vacancies but will also inject strategic leadership into our schools, ensuring that the interests of learners remain at the centre of everything we do,” said Hlomuka.
At the start of the academic year, teacher unions such as the SA Democratic Teachers’ Union (Sadtu) and the National Professional Teachers Union (Naptosa) warned that more than half of schools in KZN were not ready to reopen due to the non-delivery of learning materials and delayed financial allocations.
In some cases, schools were unable to begin teaching because they had not received basic stationery, with unions even threatening legal action against the department.
Concerns over larger class sizes and fewer teachers raised fears about declining teaching conditions and learner outcomes.
The department said the newly advertised posts are aimed at stabilising schools and improving leadership at all levels.
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Hlomuka said that strengthening leadership is key to addressing persistent challenges and driving improved performance across the province’s schools.
Eligible educators have been urged to consult the circular and submit their applications within the stipulated timeframe.
