Legal researcher decries overcrowding in schools 

Section 27’s legal researcher, Faatima Laher, has denounced overcrowding in Gauteng schools, saying it contributes to the country’s failure rate.

Laher says learners are unable to grasp academic information effectively when they sense neglect from teachers, adding that noise from fellow learners can be a huge distraction to their attention.

“Emotionally learners can feel very stressed and overwhelmed by large number of learners. It can also lead to learners feeling neglected and isolated in the classrooms,” she expounds.

According to the researcher, overcrowding can also put learners’ health at risk.

“Overcrowded schools also have poor ventilation and inadequate sanitation for learners, which can result in various health concerns,” opines Laher.

Laher has also weighed in on the impact overcrowding can have on teachers.

She says some teachers find it challenging not only to move around the classroom but most importantly, they will not be able to effectively supervise work amongst pupils.

“It is more likely for teacher to be burned out, which impacts the teacher quality. Teachers have to take on extensive workloads, resulting in them feeling overwhelmed and exhausted,” adds Laher.

“This leaves learners then feeling neglected.”

Laher referenced one case they had to analyse, where parents became increasingly concerned over their kids’ anxiety to get to class earlier than normal in the mornings. She says they found that learners who felt this way told them that they rushed to secure a place to sit at a desk.

In the schools where the research was conducted, children were provided resources on first-come-first serve- basis, while those who came late were left without resources and therefore unattended.

The Gauteng Education Department’s spokesperson, Steve Mabona, says they are resolving the problem of overcrowding and have begun the erection of satellite schools.

“We announced that the satellite schools we introduced in 2025 will provide over 4 417 additional spaces, which will then alleviate pressure in schools of need,” says Mabona.

Mabona says whiles some satellite schools have already begun operation, some will be ready to receive new learners in June and they will let the public know when the time comes.

“We do have plans because those are interim measures that we had to accommodate those leaners. No child must be at home,” remarks Mabona. Written by Odirile Rabolao