Teacher graduate works as a maid in Ballito while over 31 000 teaching positions remain vacant
KwaZulu-Natal has the largest number of vacancies (7 044), followed by the Eastern Cape (4 497).
As a qualified teacher, Samkelisiwe Ndlanzi is working as a domestic worker in Ballito to survive – a prime example of job scarcity in the country.
The 27-year-old from Groutville is one of thousands of teaching graduates who remain unemployed despite the education department confirming there are more than 31 400 vacant teaching posts at schools across the country.
This was revealed by basic education minister Angie Motshekga in Parliament last week. She said KwaZulu-Natal has the largest number of vacancies (7 044), followed by the Eastern Cape (4 497).
Ndlanzi began working as a domestic worker at age 16 while she was still a Grade 11 pupil at Nonhlevu Secondary School.
“At that time, I only worked on weekends and holidays to assist my parents who are employed as a domestic worker and gardener in Ballito,” said Ndlanzi.
After completing matric, her father’s employer assisted with her registration fee at Berea Technical College, where she studied chemical engineering.
But because she could not afford to keep paying her tuition fees, she had to drop out.
“It was a painful decision, but I had no choice because I commuted to college by train from Groutville, and over time my parents could not afford my daily trips,” said the mother of one.
Despite these challenges, she remained undeterred and applied to study for a teaching degree at the University of South Africa. She graduated last June and has been actively searching for a job ever since.
“I am a foundation phase teacher, specialising in grades R to three. My ultimate goal is to own my own foundation phase centre. More importantly, I hope to inspire other girls facing difficult times to never give up and to refuse to let their hardships define them.”
She emphasised that pride doesn’t pay the bills, so she remains determined to persevere until she finds a job that aligns with her qualifications.
Last November, unemployed teachers from across the province marched to the premier’s office and presented a memorandum outlining their demands.
Wearing black attire, the educators expressed frustration at being idle despite holding qualifications.
Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news.
Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you’re on desktop, scan the QR code below.
