By Doreen Mokgolo
- Gauteng schools face overcrowding, with up to 50 learners per class, and crumbling infrastructure that poses health and safety risks.
- Calls for reclassifying schools’ funding and building more schools aim to improve learning conditions and address socio-economic disparities.
Overcrowding and crumbling infrastructure are causing big problems in Gauteng schools, according to oversight inspections carried out at the start of the 2025 school year.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) reported that schools like Glenvista High School, Diversity High School and Die Fakkel are battling with overcrowded classrooms, with some having as many as 50 learners per teacher.
DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Education Sergio Isa Dos Santos is urging the Gauteng Department of Education to build more schools in high-demand areas to ease overcrowding.
He also highlighted the issue of schools being wrongly classified in the quintile funding system, particularly in historically suburban areas. Schools such as Rosettenville Primary School and Laerskool Montanus are listed as quintile 5, meaning they rely on school fees. But most parents are unable to pay, leaving these schools struggling to cover basic maintenance.
“The schools urgently need infrastructure repairs due to leaking roofs, broken sewage systems and rusting balconies, which pose a health and safety risk for learners,” said Dos Santos.
He called for the department to reclassify schools based on the current socio-economic status of their learners rather than outdated suburban classifications.
“This would ensure proper funding for maintenance and upgrades, creating a safe and suitable environment for teaching and learning,” he added.
Pictured above: Damaged school infrastructure
Source: Supplied
