300k more learners as budget cuts challenge education sector

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube addressed the media regarding the recent increase in the learner population, estimating a rise of approximately 300,000 students over the past five years. This briefing aimed to discuss the effects of budget cuts on the education sector at the provincial level.

The Minister highlighted the outcomes of special council meetings of education ministers, where crucial sectoral issues, including budget reductions, were deliberated. Gwarube emphasized that these budget cuts have contributed to a noticeable surge in the teacher-learner ratio.

Gwarube stated, “Nationally, the total number of learners in the educational system has seen a growth of about 292,000 over the past five years. Consequently, the learner-teacher ratios have been on a steady rise throughout the provinces.”

She stressed the significance of maintaining a reasonable learner-educator ratio to uphold quality educational outcomes. Gwarube expressed concerns about larger ratios and classroom sizes potentially compromising the desired educational standards.

Source: The Citizen