Education crisis worsens due to deficit in budget – Solidarity – POLITICS

Solidarity has expressed its concern over the planned abolition of more than 2 400 teaching jobs in the Western Cape, attributing it to the negligence and poor management of the Department of Basic Education. 

According to the Solidarity Teachers’ Network, this decision worsens the situation of the education system, which is already under pressure. “There is already a shortage of teachers and an alarming number of learners struggle with basic skills,” said Johan Botha, Deputy General Secretary of the professional sectors at Solidarity. 

The Western Cape Education Department has indicated that the province faces a budget deficit of approximately R3,8 billion. To alleviate this financial pressure, the department is considering cutting numerous teaching positions as an emergency measure. 

The Solidarity Teachers’ Network strongly opposes this decision and says the education sector should not suffer because of the department’s shortcomings. Further job cuts will seriously damage this sector which is already under pressure.