More than 500 schools in Gauteng over class capacity

8 June 2015

In response to DA questions, Gauteng Education MEC, Panyaza Lesufi, has indicated that at least 500 schools in the province have classrooms which are over capacity.

Norms and standards require that primary school classes should have no more than 40 learners per class, while secondary schools should have a maximum of 35.

The reply indicates that 203 primary schools in the province that have more than 45-50 learners per class, and 42 have more than 50 learners per class. There are 169 secondary schools with more than 40-45 learners per class, and 84 have more than 50 learners per class.

Please click here for the names of these schools.

Most of these schools are located in the province’s township areas, and coupled with various existing challenges, further undermine the future prospects of children already receiving sub-standard education.

Classrooms which are over capacity compromise both the quality of learning and teaching.

The DA urges the MEC to use this list when prioritising teacher placements and infrastructure upgrades in the new budget year.

Every single learner in Gauteng should be taught in an environment which is comfortable and conducive to quality learning.

Statement issued by Khume Ramulifho MPL, DA Gauteng Education Shadow MEC, June 8 2015