The Department indicated that the contracts of temporary teachers were set to end on 21 December 2012 but this was extended to 31 March 2013. The Department had urged all Districts to give a report on any vacancies for filling and arrangements were underway to provide teachers for the vacancies. Of concern was that the Department did not gain full cooperation from schools with SMTs that were not adequately empowered. It was further mentioned that union officials were leading the schools. Union activism was very high at schools in the District.