The budget reduction had also hampered the department’s ability to process its transactions on the system and pay service providers on time, he said. Detailing the challenges facing the department, Ntuli said payment of R1.39bn from the previous financial year was not released at the start of the new one due to insufficient cash.These challenges have led to teachers’ union Sadtu protests at department offices.“We urge that negotiations and discussions around these issues proceed in a peaceful and respectful manner, ensuring that teaching and learning remain uninterrupted,…