This due to an array of challenges within the education sector. 

The study by Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at Stellenbosch University, Heleen Hofmeyr showed that 70% of teachers cite excessive administrative duties as the primary cause of their stress. 

Meanwhile, the Department of Basic Education says over 200 000 assistant teachers have been deployed to schools across SA to help ease the daily workload. 

However, Thirona Moodley, Chief Executive Officer of the National Professional Teachers' Organisation in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, says far too many educators are opting to work abroad due to poor teaching conditions and salaries being insufficient. 

"With the new curriculum came a host of administrative responsibilities for educators, so much that they believe they do more admin than teaching. Every year the workload and mental stress is more." 

--SABC--