Learner Support Agents (LSAs) in Ekurhuleni and other districts are raising concerns after going unpaid for the month of August, with little to no communication from their supervisors or the Department of Education. The LSAs, employed on a three-year contract, play a vital role in schools, assisting with student support services. However, they have found themselves in financial limbo, uncertain about when or if they will receive their payments.
In an exclusive interview with one LSA, who wishes to remain anonymous due to fear of retaliation, they revealed that the August stipend has yet to be paid. Despite numerous attempts to seek clarity, they have only received dismissive responses from their immediate supervisors.
“Our supervisors tell us they are not from HR or Finance, so they don’t have the answers. Some even say, ‘Remember, this program was meant for the poorest of the poor, so you can’t complain,’” the anonymous source shared. This sentiment has left the LSAs feeling neglected and frustrated, as they struggle to make ends meet without their R4000 monthly stipend, which is essential for basic living expenses.
The source further explained that, despite inquiries, no official communication has been provided by either the Department of Education or Mathew Goniwe, the organization overseeing the program’s payments. According to the LSA, they only met with representatives from Mathew Goniwe once during an induction session in October 2023. Since then, there has been no direct engagement.
“We’ve heard rumors that there’s an investigation going on, which is delaying payments, but nothing has been confirmed. It’s just hearsay from the corridors. We haven’t received any formal information,” the LSA said.
The issue appears to be widespread, affecting not only LSAs in Ekurhuleni but across other districts as well. “It’s happening in all districts, not just ours,” the source confirmed. This broad impact raises further concerns about the management of the LSA program and the future of payments.
Despite their efforts to alert the schools they work in, as well as their district offices, the LSAs have found little recourse. “We have no communication with Mathew Goniwe or the Department of Education’s head office. Our immediate supervisors at the district level always say they have no information. We basically have nowhere to turn to for help,” the LSA explained.
Adding to their struggles, the LSAs have no access to labor unions or support organizations due to their contractual status. This leaves them feeling vulnerable and powerless, with no clear path forward to resolve the issue.
The LSAs are calling on the Department of Education and Mathew Goniwe to address the delayed payments and provide clarity on the situation. “As much as we have done what we were employed to do, can we please get our payments? Yes, we’re the poorest of the poor, but a contract is a contract. If we were being treated fairly or as employees with rights, we wouldn’t be going to such extents. We are also humans; we have basic needs,” the source said, expressing frustration at the way they have been treated.
The LSAs continue to report to work, despite the uncertainty around their pay, and face the possibility of not being paid for September either. The lack of transparency and communication has further deepened their sense of injustice, and they are now seeking ways to bring attention to their plight without jeopardizing their jobs.
As the story develops, it remains to be seen whether the Department of Education or Mathew Goniwe will take responsibility for the delayed payments and provide the LSAs with the support they deserve. In the meantime, these workers are left to navigate the financial and emotional strain of unpaid labor, with hopes that their concerns will soon be addressed.
For now, the LSAs have turned to the media as a last resort, hoping that their story will spark action and lead to the resolution they need. “Our rights as employees are being violated, and we just want what is owed to us,” the source concluded.
The Department of Education and Mathew Goniwe have not yet issue any official statements on the matter.
By: Ncamiso Dlamini
