It is unjustifiable that two weeks into the 2026 academic year, there are still learners across South Africa who have not been placed in a school. These young people should be in classrooms today, but instead remain stuck in administrative backlogs and uncertainty, as the system falls short at the most basic level.
At the same time, parents, learners, and teachers who are inside the system face daily barriers that make learning harder than it should be, often with nowhere meaningful to turn as bureaucracy blocks their voices.
It is for this reason Build One South Africa (BOSA) today announces the launch of the “Schools Complaints Hotline” – an email hotline at education@bosa.org.za
The Schools Complaints Hotline serves as a vital tool to promptly address any issues that may arise during the opening days of schools, and throughout the year. These issues include water and sanitation problems, textbook shortages, placement delays, and infrastructure challenges. We encourage parents, teachers and students who have information regarding schools in their area to contact us.
All concerns raised through the hotline will be diligently compiled and presented to the Minister of Basic Education, as well as to Parliament’s Basic Education Portfolio Committee for urgent attention and resolution.
We believe that every learner deserves a conducive learning environment from day one. By gathering firsthand feedback through the Schools Complaints Hotline, we aim to advocate for necessary improvements swiftly.
In addition to addressing immediate challenges, BOSA reiterates its longstanding commitment to comprehensive education reform in South Africa. There is an undeniable education crisis in our country. To address this crisis effectively, BOSA calls for an end to the 30% pass mark, replacing it with a minimum of 50% across all subjects.
BOSA’s vision for education reform includes the establishment of an independent education ombudsman, improving educator salaries, balancing union influence, implementing student incentives throughout the academic year, prioritizing primary education, introducing a school voucher program, and conducting a nationwide audit of teacher skills.
With an annual education budget exceeding R300 billion, it is imperative that resources are efficiently allocated to enhance educational quality. The current challenges such as overcrowded classrooms, inadequate infrastructure, and teacher qualifications demand urgent corrective action.
Moving forward, BOSA remains steadfast in its mission to advocate for robust interventions that will mend our education system and ensure every South African learner has the opportunity to thrive.
Media Enquiries:
Roger Solomons
BOSA Spokesperson
072 299 3551