South Africa has lost more than 32,000 teachers over the past five years, with an average of over 6,000 leaving the profession each year. A fellowship programme is now offering mentorship and support to help new educators cope with the pressures of the classroom. Data shows that resignations account for the vast majority of these departures.
According to figures presented in parliament by Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube, 30,992 teachers resigned in the last five years while 1,245 were dismissed. More than half of primary school learners now sit in classes with over 40 children, even as 12,700 qualified teachers remain unemployed.
Research from Stellenbosch University indicates that nearly half of current public school teachers are considering leaving within the next decade. Common pressures include heavy workloads, administrative demands, low pay and emotional burnout.
The Jakes Gerwel Fellowship provides classroom coaching, peer networks and access to counselling for early-career teachers. Chief executive Banele Lukhele said structured support systems are largely absent in South Africa.
Teachers Bayanda Jwara and Ronell Mohlala described the transition from training to full-time work as overwhelming, citing a lack of induction and mental health resources. Both credited the fellowship with helping them stay in the profession.