Gauteng schools face severe overcrowding with 70 pupils per teacher
via The Citizen12 min read
Gauteng's public education system is experiencing severe overcrowding, with some classrooms accommodating up to 70 pupils per teacher. This issue was highlighted by the newly appointed MEC for Education, Lebogang Maile, during a briefing on the state of education and its 2025/2030 strategic plan. The Gauteng Department of Education GDE reports that enrolment has more than doubled since 1995, reaching over 2.8 million pupils in 2026, while infrastructure development has not kept pace. An estimated 723 schools in the province are affected, with a shortage of approximately 5,554 classrooms. The crisis is largely attributed to rapid in-migration, adding about 50,000 pupils annually, leading to tens of thousands of pupils lacking confirmed placement at the start of the year. Officials estimate that 200 new schools are needed to stabilize the system. Despite increased funding, budget constraints, a rising teacher wage bill, and a shortage of 1,173 teachers, particularly in mathematics, science, and technology, exacerbate the problem. Large class sizes contribute to teacher burnout, limit individual attention, and worsen poor literacy and numeracy outcomes. The department's strategic plan aims to address these challenges through infrastructure development, improved teacher support, and curriculum interventions, acknowledging that a collaborative effort is necessary.
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The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has launched an independent investigation into allegations that teaching posts within the department are being sold for money and sexual favors. The probe was initiated after a viral social media video surfaced, reportedly showing the wife of the department's head of communications, Muzi Mahlambi, accusing him of involvement in these activities. In the video, she claims female teachers either paid money or exchanged sexual favors to secure employment. Head of Department Nkosinathi Ngcobo ordered the independent investigation, emphasizing that the department views these allegations seriously as they impact public administration integrity and public trust. The department stated the investigation will be fair, credible, and impartial, considering all relevant evidence without fear or prejudice. They urged the public to provide any credible information to the investigating body or law enforcement authorities, committing to act decisively on the findings.
The MK party has defended its decision to appoint eThekwini's former mayor Zandile Gumede as the party's deputy convenor in KwaZulu-Natal, despite her ongoing trial for fraud, corruption, and money laundering related to a R320 million Durban Solid Waste tender. Gumede's appointment was announced at a press briefing in Durban. MK party secretary-general Sibonelo Nomvalo stated that the party is a political organization and not prosecutors, and therefore, criminal cases do not prevent a member from joining or taking a position. He added that questions about Gumede's legal issues are not relevant to her appointment. Political analyst Theo Neethling noted that Gumede's defection is significant because she remains on trial, and her charges did not hinder her acceptance by the MK party. Neethling suggests the party prioritizes electoral advantage and organizational strength over reputational risks, especially in securing metropolitan strongholds like eThekwini. This approach aligns with the party's narrative, which, given its leader Jacob Zuma's own legal challenges, often portrays criminal charges as politically motivated.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed South Africa鈥檚 condolences following the death of former Qatari Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who passed away on Sunday, 12 July 2026, at 74 years old. Ramaphosa described Sheikh Hamad as a visionary leader whose "legacy of peace, prosperity and global influence continues to inspire the world." He extended sympathies to Qatar's Royal Family, government, and people, highlighting South Africa's close friendship with Qatar. Ramaphosa noted that Qatar, under Sheikh Hamad's leadership, became a model of peace, development, prosperity, and global influence. Sheikh Hamad's 18-year rule saw Qatar transform from an economy reliant on oil to the world's largest exporter of liquefied natural gas, with one of the highest per capita incomes, achieved through strategic investment in productive assets, financial institutions, infrastructure, and human capital.