South Africa's public education system is facing mounting strain after more than 30 000 educators exited the profession in the past five years, a trend that unions warn is weakening learning outcomes and stretching classrooms beyond capacity.
This growing loss of skilled teachers, confirmed in a recent parliamentary reply by the Minister of Basic Education, has set off renewed calls for an urgent nationwide retention strategy.
Figures highlighted by the Public Servants Association show the extent of the challenge 30 992 resignations and 1 245 dismissals since 2020, adding up to more than 6 000 departures every year.