The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has announced the advertisement of 3,002 school-based promotional posts.
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The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has announced the advertisement of more than 3,000 school-based promotional posts, a move aimed at strengthening leadership and improving functionality across public schools.
In a statement, the department confirmed that 3,002 posts were advertised through HRM Circular 10 of 2026. These positions comprise 1,784 departmental heads, 545 deputy principals, and 673 school principals.
KwaZulu-Natal Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka said the appointments form part of efforts to build a more resilient and high-performing education 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,” he said.
The department has urged eligible educators to consult the circular and submit applications within the specified timeframe.
Teacher unions have broadly welcomed the announcement while emphasising the importance of adhering to established processes.
The National Professional Teachers' Organisation of South Africa (NAPTOSA) said it was encouraged by the release of the long-awaited promotion bulletin, noting that effective school management is central to stability and accountability.
“The department must abide by the management plan and release the application to the schools within the timeframes. School governing bodies must be proactive,” the union said in a statement. It added that governing bodies should seek training through circuit managers where necessary and ensure that all processes are completed in line with departmental guidelines.
NAPTOSA also urged educators to apply for the posts, describing the process as an opportunity for professional growth. The union said it would deploy observers to monitor the hiring process and ensure it is conducted fairly and without undue influence.
Meanwhile, the South African Democratic Teachers Union said it supports the initiative, noting that unions were involved in identifying vacancies and discussions leading to the compilation of the advertisement through the Provincial Education Labour Relations Council.
SADTU spokesperson Nomarashiya Caluza said filling the posts would help ensure schools are adequately managed.
The union added that recruitment processes are governed by policies and collective agreements designed to safeguard transparency and fairness. It noted that unions play an oversight role and can lodge disputes on behalf of aggrieved members, with unresolved matters referred for arbitration after internal grievance procedures are exhausted.
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