The South African Human Rights Commission (Sahrc) is set to release its 2025 'State of Schools Report' in Johannesburg on Wednesday. The report highlights systemic challenges hindering access to basic education. It includes recommendations to hold government departments accountable ahead of the 2026 academic year.
The South African Human Rights Commission (Sahrc) will launch its annual “State of Schools Report” on Wednesday in Johannesburg. This 2025 edition focuses on systemic challenges that impede the right to basic education, as enshrined in Section 29 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996.
Sahrc spokesperson Wisani Baloyi explained that the report provides analysis and recommendations to ensure departments address these issues before the 2026 academic year begins. “Early this year, the commission visited more than 150 public schools across all nine provinces in the country to assess the readiness of schools to provide teaching and learning during the 2025 academic year,” Baloyi stated. These visits formed part of a monitoring project prompted by complaints about access to education.
Key challenges identified include poor infrastructure, overcrowding, lack of sanitation, and late registrations. The report aims to hold relevant departments accountable for resolving these barriers, promoting equitable education nationwide.
In a tweet, the Sahrc emphasized: “SAHRC TO LAUNCH STATE OF SCHOOLS REPORT HIGHLIGHTING SYSTEMIC CHALLENGES IMPACTING ACCESS TO BASIC EDUCATION.” This initiative underscores the commission's ongoing efforts to monitor and improve educational rights in South Africa.