Community members gather at the gates of Iqhubekani Primary School in Makhambane, Mtubatuba, to protest the appointment of a new teacher, calling for recognition of volunteer teacher Miss Mbatha’s years of service. Image: Nothando Mtshali.
(The Post News)– In Mtubatuba North, KwaZulu-Natal, parents at Iqhubekani Primary School in Makhambane shut down the school in a protest against a schoolteacher. This comes after a new teacher reportedly arrived from Pietermaritzburg to take a post they say does not exist.
The community has expressed anger and frustration. They accuse the Department of Education of overlooking a dedicated local volunteer teacher, Miss Mbatha, who has taught at the school for two years without pay. Parents say they were shocked when another teacher was brought in without consulting the School Governing Body (SGB), sparking the Mtubatuba school teacher protest.
“We never received any notice about an open post, and even the SGB doesn’t know anything about this. This new teacher is supposed to replace Miss Mbatha, who has poured her heart into this school for years,” one parent said.
Mtubatuba Parents Fighting for Fairness
For the parents, the issue is clear: fairness. They insist that if a teaching post exists, it should go to Miss Mbatha, whose dedication and care for the children have made her part of the school family. “This isn’t just about a job,” another parent said. “It’s about respect and justice. We welcome new teachers, but we cannot allow someone from outside to take the work Miss Mbatha has been doing faithfully for two years.” The growing anger of the community keeps the Mtubatuba school teacher protest in the spotlight.
The dispute escalated when parents blocked the school gates, demanding answers from the Department of Education. A leaked voice note reveals senior education officials pleading with Miss Mbatha to return to the school on Tuesday to calm the situation.
In the recording, an official said, “We are not saying you have been appointed yet, but please come back and explain to the parents that they must stop closing the school because children are writing exams. Your case will be addressed properly.”
The plea shows the seriousness of the situation, as pupils’ learning faces disruption at a crucial time. The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has not issued an official statement. Meanwhile, the community of Makhambane says it will keep the school closed until they see justice for Miss Mbatha, continuing the Mtubatuba school teacher protest.
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