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IN CONVERSATION WITH NOMUSA CEMBI THE MEDIA OFFICER OF SADTU

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South Africa’s education system is once again in the spotlight as shocking statistics reveal a deep structural crisis. Nearly 39% of young people with secondary education remain unemployed, while 81% of Grade 4 learners cannot read for meaning. Reports also show that 96% of public schools are overcrowded, teacher absenteeism is as high as 15%, and almost half of first-year university students drop out. Government promises of AI in classrooms, new TVET colleges, and curriculum reviews are seen as superficial fixes that fail to address the real issues. Policies continue to reward enrolment and certificates over true competence, leaving many young South Africans with qualifications but without opportunities.

1 Oct 2025 English South Africa Education · News Palesa Lemeke and Xolani Baloyi

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