South Africa faces a critical shortage of teachers, demonstrated by our overcrowded classrooms juggled by overworked and underpaid teachers. It is therefore concerning that more than 1 200 teachers resigned from Western Cape schools over the past year alone. This is according to the provincial department’s annual report.
This attrition rate is symptomatic of a national pattern. Teachers cite burnout, overcrowded classrooms, and a lack of support as key reasons for leaving the profession.
Over 50% of SA’s primary school learners are in classes with more than 40 pupils, with approximately 15% in classes exceeding 50 pupils – ranking South Africa worse off than Chile, Indonesia, Morocco, and Iran in terms of teacher-to-learner ratio.
Despite this, according to the Department’s own National Recruitment Database of Qualified South African Educators, there are at least 12 700 unemployed teachers currently seeking work. There is no justification for trained and capable teachers sitting at home while learners go without adequate instruction and classroom sizes spiral beyond acceptable levels.
Build One South Africa (BOSA) calls on Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube to table before Parliament:
- A teacher deployment and absorption plan to employ all qualified educators currently registered on the national database; and
- A teacher retention strategy to address burnout, poor working conditions, and salary disparities that drive resignations; and
Teachers are the unsung heroes of our nation. We thank each and every teacher for the selfless work they do in building South Africa. BOSA is your ally and we will work hard towards lowering classroom sizes and rewarding excellence through financial incentives.
Media Enquiries:
Roger Solomons
BOSA Spokesperson
072 299 3551