Half of South African Teachers Want to Leave the Profession: The Real Reasons Behind the Burnout Crisis

Alarming Findings: 50% of South African Teachers Plan to Quit Within a Decade

A recent national study conducted by Stellenbosch University has revealed a worrying trend in South Africa’s education system: 50% of teachers are considering leaving the profession within the next 10 years. Contrary to common belief, it’s not unruly learners driving them away—but the overwhelming administrative workload and chronic stress.

The “Teacher Preferences and Job Satisfaction in South Africa” report, based on data from over 1,500 teachers and interviews with 80 more, paints a vivid picture of a profession under strain. Teachers are increasingly burdened with tasks that go far beyond their core responsibility—educating learners.

Administrative Burdens Are Breaking Educators

One of the most striking findings of the study is that 70% of teachers cite administrative responsibilities as their main source of stress. From endless paperwork to redundant documentation, many teachers feel their time and energy are being drained by tasks that don’t support their teaching objectives.

These administrative duties often take priority over lesson planning, student engagement, and assessment. As a result, classroom effectiveness suffers, leading to further frustration and burnout.

Irony in Resources: Well-Funded Schools Create More Stress

Surprisingly, teachers in better-resourced, affluent schools report higher stress levels than those in underfunded institutions. This paradox is largely due to intense pressure from parents and school leadership to deliver top academic results.

While one might assume that more resources would ease the burden, the high expectations in these environments often lead to longer work hours, increased micromanagement, and a constant sense of urgency.

Urban Preference: Teachers Avoid Rural Posts

The study also reveals that 40% of teachers would not consider a rural post, no matter the incentive. The reasons are clear: poor infrastructure, lack of resources, and limited opportunities for professional growth. These factors contribute to chronic teacher shortages in provinces like Limpopo and the Eastern Cape.

In contrast, urban provinces like Gauteng and the Western Cape are the most preferred locations, thanks to better facilities, more support, and improved living conditions.

Teachers Are Doing More Than Teaching

The modern South African teacher is expected to wear multiple hats—not just as an educator, but also as a counselor, caregiver, and social worker. This multifaceted role is particularly demanding in low-fee and no-fee schools, where teachers must support learners grappling with poverty, trauma, neglect, and violence.

Without access to school psychologists or mental health professionals, teachers are left to navigate these emotional minefields alone, often at the expense of their own mental wellbeing.

Burnout Is Real: The Call for Mental Health Support

The report underscores the urgent need for mental health services tailored to teachers. Emotional exhaustion, coupled with a lack of institutional support, is pushing many educators toward career burnout.

Dr. Heleen Hofmeyr, one of the report’s lead authors, warns:

“While we don’t expect 50% of teachers to actually resign, these findings clearly indicate the need for systemic change to prevent further attrition.”

Five Strategic Recommendations to Save the Profession

To address the teacher retention crisis, the authors of the report made five practical recommendations:

1. Expand mental health support for both teachers and learners to reduce emotional strain.
2. Cut back on administrative tasks to allow educators more time to focus on teaching.
3. Introduce incentives for rural teaching posts, such as housing allowances and professional development opportunities.
4. Equip teachers with remedial teaching tools to better support learners with academic challenges.
5. Enhance classroom management training to empower teachers and improve the learning environment.

Conclusion: A System in Need of Urgent Reform

The data is clear: South African teachers are overworked, overwhelmed, and under-supported. If these challenges go unaddressed, the country risks losing thousands of passionate educators, further destabilizing the education system.

By reducing administrative loads, investing in mental health, and providing meaningful incentives, we can begin to turn the tide. It’s time to put the well-being of teachers back at the center of education policy—because when teachers thrive, so do learners.