DBE adamant no teacher shortage in SA

DBE adamant no teacher shortage in SA

The Department of Basic Education doesn’t believe the country faces a teacher shortage. 

Teacher in a classroom
Gallo images

It says there's an oversupply of teachers in the system. 

 

It's been responding to a recent study by Stellenbosch University which raised concerns over a looming shortage of skilled teachers.  

 

The study revealed that roughly half the country's teachers are nearing retirement age...which might lead to a decline in the quality of education. 


READ: Umhlanga school accused of not fulfilling promises made to staff

 

The department says although 49% of educators working in public schools are over the age of 50, new graduates are being upskilled to teach priority subjects. 

 

Spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga says through bursaries, they've been able to boost the number of teaching graduates.

 

"Retirement happens every month end, with every month end is somebody's birthday who has reached retirement age and as they retire new people are employed to take up those places. 

 

"It has never happened been the same in the history of this country that we have bulk retirement. The system needs 10 000 teachers every year, but Higher Education Department is producing 33 000 teachers every year." 

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