Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

3-minute read
14 December 2024 | 09:39 CAT

Equal Education’s report found that school infrastructure affects teaching and learning. (Photo: Gallo Images / Sowetan / Thulani Mbele)

South Africa’s education system faces a critical challenge as the Institute of Race Relations (IRR) pushes for immediate action on classroom shortages and infrastructure gaps. With up to 70,000 classrooms needed nationwide, urgent intervention is necessary to prevent further setbacks in learning outcomes, according to Gabriel Crouse, Executive Director of IRR Legal.

In an interview with Radio Islam International, Crouse outlined a three-step plan to address the crisis: “Step one is to build 13,000 classrooms, estimated to cost R17 billion. Step two involves empanelling global and local experts to reverse our poor education performance. Lastly, all stakeholders must commit to non-racialism, respecting language, religion, and the principle of merit-based teaching.”

Current infrastructure is failing to meet demands. The Department of Education estimates a nationwide shortage of 35,000 to 70,000 classrooms, with Gauteng and the Western Cape hit hardest. “Building these classrooms won’t solve all problems,” Crouse admitted. “But it’s the most critical factor for effective teaching.”

South Africa’s school landscape has changed drastically since 2000. Over 4,500 schools have closed, shrinking the total to around 22,500. While this period saw improvements in water, electricity, and sanitation, the quality gains have been offset by insufficient expansion in capacity. Crouse emphasized: “Kids learning under trees or in overcrowded classrooms is untenable.”

The controversial Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act adds to the complexities. Signed into law in September, the Act’s clauses allowing government override of school governing bodies on language and admissions policies have sparked legal challenges. President Cyril Ramaphosa’s three-month suspension of these clauses has been labelled “fishy” by legal experts, who argue that his actions may violate constitutional procedures.

Crouse highlighted the practical challenges to implementation: “The regulations aren’t ready. The department says it could take a year and a half to roll out necessary measures.”

However, in a joint statement, Equal Education (EE) and the Equal Education Law Centre (EELC) sought to clarify widespread misinformation about the BELA Act. “There is a need for clarity on BELA to correct the misinformation and disinformation surrounding this act,” the statement read.

Equal Education emphasized the importance of public clarity and legal accuracy, calling on stakeholders to address the Act’s confusion.

A social movement advocating for quality education, Equal Education has been a vocal proponent of equitable infrastructure development. The organization’s campaigns emphasize the importance of meeting minimum norms and standards for school facilities, such as access to functional toilets, adequate classrooms, and safe learning environments. Their efforts have led to successful legal action against the Department of Basic Education, holding it accountable for delays in infrastructure delivery.

Meanwhile, as the country awaits clarity on these issues, the IRR’s proposals stand as a roadmap to address urgent gaps in South Africa’s education infrastructure. “Now is the time to build classrooms, hire teachers, and focus on long-term solutions,” Crouse concluded.

Listen to the full interview on The Daily Round Up with Moulana Junaid Kharsany and Gabriel Crouse, Executive Director of IRR Legal.