TEACHER UNIONS WARN OF BURNOUT

TEACHER unions are warning of a crisis in the education sector, with burnout among educators as a result of them being overworked due to staff shortages.

According to National Teachers Union (Natu), over 23 000 posts in provincial education departments across the country were cut, with the total number of unfilled but funded vacancies exceeding 46 000 during the 2023/24 financial year.

Natu leader Doctor Ngema says: “The implementation of austerity measures by the National Treasury has had devastating consequences on the quality, accessibility, and equity of education across the country.

“As stakeholders in the future of our nation, Natu cannot remain silent while the constitutional right to basic education, enshrined in Section 29 of the Constitution, is systematically eroded.”

In addition, the South African Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu) said government austerity measures and budget cuts have resulted in overcrowded classrooms.

The lack of substitute teachers has increased the workload for the remaining educators, negatively impacting their health.

Sadtu’s statement reads: “Teacher burnout is a significant issue, with 44 percent of teachers in Grade R-12 reporting that they very often or always feel burned out at work. 

“Teaching staff report the highest rates of work-related stress, depression and anxiety compared to other professions.

“Almost two-thirds (62 percent) of teachers believe that stress affects them more than 60 percent of the time. This higher level of stress is more common among female respondents (65) compared to males (54). Additionally, 74 percent of teachers have had to take on extra duties due to staff shortages.”

The Department of Basic Education are yet to respond to the unions.

This comes as the critical June examinations get underway across the country. Results at this stage are vital for Grades 11 and 12 learners who are preparing to apply to universities or other tertiary institutions.