Nine in 10 educators cite workload and burnout as major workplace challenges

A recent South African study has revealed that 92% of educators reported high workload and burnout as their most significant workplace challenges, according to the Suid-Afrikaanse Onderwysersunie's latest strategic needs assessment. This sentiment was consistent across different age groups and school leadership positions, with 93% of principals, 89% of deputy principals, and 93% of heads of department echoing the same concern. Administrative burden was the second-biggest workplace concern, cited by 84% of respondents.

Danolien van den Berg, head of the SAOU's well-being and support initiative, emphasized that the emotional toll of teaching is a pressing issue. She noted that teachers often grapple with emotional wellbeing, burnout, loss, work-related challenges, low mood, bullying, anxiety, and stress. Van den Berg highlighted that teachers may continue to show up for work but may not necessarily be emotionally or mentally well.

Even teachers who deeply love their profession can reach a breaking point where they realize they can no longer handle everything on their own.

The focus should be on earlier intervention and support, she argued. "We cannot prevent education from being challenging. But we can listen earlier and make sure people get support before they reach breaking point." This sentiment came at a time when South African schools are grappling with issues like learner discipline, educator safety, and the presence of weapons and drugs on school premises.

The South African Democratic Teachers' Union (Sadtu) expressed concerns over threats, intimidation, insults, and violence against educators, which they said could undermine their ability to effectively perform their professional duties.