Johannesburg: Gauteng MEC for Education, Lebogang Maile, has outlined a series of interventions aimed at addressing severe overcrowding in the province’s schools, as learner numbers continue to surge beyond available capacity.
According to South African Government News Agency, Maile addressed Gauteng residents, stating that the province is implementing a combination of infrastructure expansion, partnerships, and short-term relief measures to respond to the growing demand for school spaces. The education system in Gauteng is under considerable strain, with learner enrolment more than doubling over the past three decades.
Learner numbers have increased dramatically from 1,408,237 in 1995 to 2,835,168 as of 2026. This rapid growth, fueled by migration and urbanization, has led to nearly half of Gauteng’s public schools operating above capacity, with 1,021 out of 2,111 schools over-subscribed. The issue is widespread across nearly all districts, particularly acute in township and urban areas.
To tackle overcrowding, Maile detailed several ongoing interventions, including the construction of new schools and the replacement of aging infrastructure. The government has allocated R3.982 billion over the Medium-term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) for school infrastructure, which will fund approximately seven new schools each year, totaling 23 over the MTEF period. Collaboration with strategic partners like the Development Bank of South Africa (DBSA) is also being pursued.
The province has launched the Budget Facility for Infrastructure (BFI) Schools Programme in partnership with the Gauteng Infrastructure Financing Agency, comprising 18 projects on greenfield sites across all municipalities. Additionally, public-private partnership infrastructure delivery models are being considered to expedite the infrastructure rollout.
In the short term, measures such as expanding existing facilities and utilizing temporary classrooms are being implemented to alleviate overcrowding. The Self-Build Programme allows schools to manage the construction of additional classrooms, while prefabricated temporary classrooms provide interim solutions.
The provincial government is also repurposing existing infrastructure by considering the acquisition of privately owned former missionary schools that meet regulations and standards. Long-term planning includes a 20-year infrastructure plan to align school development with population growth and urban planning, with new schools planned in mega human settlement developments and inner-city areas.
Maile acknowledged challenges such as budget constraints, vandalism, project delays, and rapid population growth that affect infrastructure delivery. Despite these hurdles, the provincial government remains committed to addressing overcrowding through coordinated interventions and stakeholder collaboration.
Maile urged communities and the private sector to support government efforts in protecting school infrastructure from vandalism and disruption. He emphasized the importance of optimizing resources in education to ensure quality and access for all learners as enrolment numbers continue to rise.