Education MEC outlines urgent plan to ease Gauteng school overcrowding
With almost half of Gauteng schools overcrowded, government has announced short, medium and long-term plans to expand infrastructure and ease pressure on the education system.
The Gauteng MEC for Education, Lebogang Maile, addressed the public on the growing challenge of overcrowding in the province’s schools, alongside the interventions currently underway to address the pressure on the education system.
The briefing highlighted the scale of learner growth, infrastructure strain and systemic challenges facing the sector, while also outlining the government’s short, medium, and long-term response plans.
Background
On April 12, the Gauteng Provincial Government provided a comprehensive outlook on the state of the education ecosystem in Gauteng Province. The presentation included a data-based historical overview of basic education, the provincial outlook of the system, a summary of the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, and its approach to stakeholder engagement.
It was emphasised that the education system reflects broader structural challenges in Gauteng and South Africa, including historical inequalities and current fiscal constraints that affect funding for teaching and learning, curriculum development, and infrastructure.
These challenges are intensified by rapid learner growth driven by migration and urbanisation. In 1995, Gauteng had 1 408 237 learners, increasing to 2 835 168 in 2026. This represents more than double the number of learners over 30 years, with an annual growth rate of about 2%, adding over 50 000 learners per year.
Learner enrolment in Gauteng public schools
Gauteng has 2 111 public schools, comprising 1 417 primary schools and 694 secondary schools, including 36 Schools of Specialisation.
Total enrolment stands at:
• Primary schools: 1 472 257 learners
• Secondary schools: 943 089 learners
There are 579 over-subscribed primary schools (41%) and 442 over-subscribed secondary schools (64%), meaning 1 021 schools (48%) operate above capacity.
A total of 252 schools are not at full capacity, although this number has declined by 153 between 2025 and 2026. Over-subscribed schools increased by 164 over the same period.
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Overcrowding by the education district
Gauteng has 15 education districts, with overcrowding evident across most regions. Gauteng West has 153 public schools (102 primary and 51 secondary). Of these, 70 schools (46%) operate above capacity.
Other affected districts include Johannesburg South at 68% and Tshwane West at 68%, confirming that overcrowding is a province-wide challenge.
High-pressure school areas
Townships and densely populated urban areas remain high-pressure zones due to continued migration and urban development in Gauteng’s metros.
Infrastructure delivery has not kept pace with enrolment growth, increasing reliance on temporary classrooms and short-term solutions.
Infrastructure pressure and resourcing challenges
Gauteng faces a significant infrastructure backlog, with an estimated need for at least 200 new schools.
Despite annual targets of 10 new schools, delivery delays persist. Education funding of over R68 billion remains under pressure due to competing demands such as wages, maintenance, and expansion needs.
A 2026 school readiness audit identified shortages including:
• 67 855 chairs and 25 990 double desks in primary schools
• 111 333 chairs and 98 115 single desks in secondary schools
Procurement processes are underway, but shortages persist.
Structural imbalance between primary and secondary schools
The system consists of 1 417 primary schools and 694 secondary schools, creating a structural imbalance that places pressure on secondary school capacity.
As a result, 14 of 15 districts show secondary school over-subscription, with an estimated shortfall of 88 008 learner spaces.
Infrastructure delivery challenges
Challenges include:
• Budget constraints
• Vandalism
• Dolomitic and unsafe land
• Crime and security risks
• Community and contractor disruptions
• Poor contractor performance and weak project management
• Misalignment of infrastructure delivery models with migration trends
The Project Readiness Matrix (PRM) has been introduced to improve planning, compliance, and execution.
Interventions to address overcrowding
The department is implementing several interventions, including:
• R3.982 billion infrastructure allocation over the MTEF
• Construction of approximately 7 new schools per year
• DBSA partnership projects
• Budget Facility for Infrastructure (BFI) programme
• Public-Private Partnerships
• Self-build classroom programme
• Acquisition of former missionary schools
• Temporary prefabricated classrooms
• Integration with mega human settlement developments
• A 20-year infrastructure planning framework
Statement from GDE
GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona said the province remains committed to addressing overcrowding through coordinated interventions.
“The challenges we are facing are structural and long-term, but we are implementing a combination of infrastructure expansion, partnerships, and innovative delivery models to ensure that no learner is left behind,” said Mabona.
He added that protecting education infrastructure is critical.
“We urge communities to assist in safeguarding schools from vandalism and disruptions. These actions directly undermine progress and affect learners,” he said.
“The Gauteng Provincial Government continues to prioritise interventions aimed at reducing overcrowding and strengthening education infrastructure delivery. However, success depends on sustained collaboration between government, communities and the private sector,” Mabona continued.
Authorities have urged all stakeholders to support efforts to protect schools and ensure efficient use of resources in the education system.
