Nine in 10 educators cite workload and burnout as major workplace challenges
A SAOU strategic needs assessment found that 92% of surveyed educators identified workload and burnout among their biggest workplace challenges, with administrative pressure and safety concerns adding to the strain.
Nine out of ten South African educators have cited heavy workloads and burnout as their biggest workplace challenges, according to a recent survey conducted by the Suid-Afrikaanse Onderwysersunie (SAOU). This finding, which applies to educators of all ages and roles, highlights the significant emotional toll of working in education.
The SAOU's strategic needs assessment revealed that 91% of educators under 27, 89% aged 28 to 43, and 93% aged 44 to 59 identified high workload and burnout as major concerns. School leaders, including principals and heads of departments, also reported the same issue, with 93% and 93% respectively acknowledging it as a significant challenge.
Administrative tasks ranked second among the profession's most pressing concerns, cited by 84% of respondents. Danolien van den Berg, who leads the SAOU's wellbeing and support initiative, emphasized the emotional impact of the job, stating that teachers may continue showing up to work but may not be emotionally or mentally well.
The issue of teacher mental health and workload was further discussed at the SAOU Women's Leadership Seminar and Heads Symposium in Gqeberha. The broader challenges in South African schools, such as learner discipline, educator safety, and potential violence, also contribute to the mounting pressure on educators. The Department of Basic Education maintains that educator safety is part of its broader school-safety framework rather than a separate strategy.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
