Sne Masuku

Sne Masuku

The large number of security guard applications received by the KwaZulu-Natal education department has led to the delay of the much-awaited deployment of guards at public schools in the province.

Provincial education department head Cassuis Lubisi said the department had received 150000 applications for the 2900 posts that were advertised in July.

He said because of the many applications the department had decided to re-advertise the posts.

Lubisi said this time the applications would have to be sent to the district offices instead of the department's offices.

"We did not anticipate such a large number of applications and we have decided to restart the recruitment process," he said.

"This time applications will be handed in at schools and hopefully the process will be completed by February before the end of this financial year, which ends on March 31," Lubisi added.

After a spate of violence and killings the department said it would deploy 3000 guards to schools.

But the deployment of security guards has been delayed since the announcement was made.

The applications of individuals who applied in March will be sent back to them and they will have to reapply in the districts.

A bulletin with the name of schools with vacant posts has been sent to the districts.

"By handing over the recruitment process to the schools the department will be able to have the appointment process complete by mid-February," Lubisi said.