This follows a shocking study by a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Stellenbosch University, Dr. Heleen Hofmeyr, which revealed that 70% of teachers cite excessive administrative duties as the primary cause of their stress. 

Department of Basic Education Spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga says overcrowding, particularly in rural and township schools, remains a serious concern, as the demand continues to outstrip the number of classrooms and teachers available. 

"We know that the shortages that we have is not that we do not have the need but because we do not have the funds to employ all the teachers that we need in the system, so what we don’t have is the money to employ all the teachers in the schools so that we are able to provide every classroom with a teacher and relief teacher where needed."

The Department acknowledges that there are challenges within the education sector. 

It says it has taken necessary and effective steps to resolve them, however, finances are limited. 

--SABC--