29,000 Teacher Jobs Vacant in South Africa Amidst High Unemployment

South Africa Faces Teacher Shortage Crisis: 29,000 Unfilled Posts South Africa is grappling with a significant crisis in its education system: 29,000 teaching positions remain unfilled, despite a large number of unemployed teachers. This alarming statistic was highlighted in a recent interview with Nomusa Cembi, spokesperson for the South African Democratic Teachers' Union (SADTU), on NewsRoom Afrika. "It is indeed shocking that we have so many vacancies that are unfilled in our schools," Cembi stated, emphasizing the impact on education quality. Overcrowded classrooms, often with over 40 students per teacher, are a major consequence. The lack of adequate support staff further exacerbates the situation. Cembi explained that this shortage forces teachers to work excessive hours, impacting their mental and physical well-being. In April 2025, SADTU marched to the Department of Basic Education and Treasury to demand action. They are still awaiting a response. The situation underscores the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to address teacher shortages and improve the overall quality of education in South Africa.