Zuko Komisa
A concerning new study by Stellenbosch University has revealed that nearly half of South Africa’s teachers are contemplating leaving the profession within the next ten years, despite a strong dedication to their students.
The research, led by economist Dr Heleen Hofmeyr, highlights overwhelming workloads, excessive administrative burdens, threats of violence from learners, and a lack of mental health support as key drivers behind this potential mass departure.
The “Teacher Preferences and Job Satisfaction in South Africa” report, a product of Stellenbosch University’s Teacher Demographic Dividend Project, surveyed over 1,580 educators to gain a comprehensive understanding of their experiences, challenges, and motivations.
The findings paint a picture of educators stretched thin, with many reporting that their responsibilities extend far beyond teaching duties, leaving insufficient time for crucial tasks such as lesson planning and providing meaningful support to learners.
A striking statistic from the report indicates that 70% of teachers identify administrative tasks as their primary source of stress.
Point of View with Phemelo Motene, spoke to a Senior Researcher at Research on Socio-Economic Policy at Stellenbosch University, Dr Heleen Hofmeyr, who gave more insights on the findings.
Listen to the full conversation here:
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