South Africa’s public schools face ongoing teacher shortages as nearly half the workforce is aged 50 or older and 17,450 posts remain vacant.
Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube reported 17,450 vacancies among 389,286 allocated posts at the end of January 2026, giving a national rate of 4%. The Western Cape had the highest rate at 11%, followed by the Northern Cape at 10% and Limpopo at 8%.
Gwarube noted that vacancies arise from resignations, retirements, promotions and temporary absences. Provinces fill posts within their budgets, and the national department cannot provide extra funding beyond those processes.
Associate Professor Zayd Waghid said teacher training often leaves graduates unprepared for crowded classrooms, discipline issues and social pressures. Many final-year students view the job as stressful, though many remain committed to the profession.
The department is reviewing Post Provisioning Norms and supporting the Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme to help provinces manage vacancy rates.
