The [Public Servants Association (PSA)](https://www.timeslive.co.za/politics/2025-01-10-public-sector-wage-talks-progress-with-improved-offer-from-government-psa/) blamed the government’s fiscal negligence and misplaced priorities for the crisis.
“This is a direct consequence of inept fiscal planning, wasteful expenditure and misguided policy choices. The PSA finds it completely unacceptable government prioritises political patronage, bloated bureaucracies, and fruitless expenditure while undermining core pillars of service delivery,” it said.
“The crisis in the education department is a direct result of financial mismanagement and corruption, as evidenced by stalled infrastructure projects, misallocation of resources and a lack of consequence management for corrupt contractors. The PSA demands a full investigation into the failures and the immediate prosecution of those responsible for siphoning public funds.”
The union said it was devastating for a province with more than 6,000 schools and which was the most improved province in terms of the matric pass rate last year.
The PSA said the axing of 19,000 teachers would result in overcrowded classrooms and have a severe impact on the quality of education.
“Remaining teachers will face increased workloads, leading to burnout and reduced effectiveness. There will be a further rise in youth unemployment as qualified job-seeking teachers will be without opportunities. These severe learning disruptions will disproportionately affect underprivileged communities.”