23 November 2021
Media alert: Launch of Equal Education #NoSpaceForUS campaign and release of our research report on overcrowding in Gauteng’s schools
#NoSpaceForUs #FixOurSchools
On Saturday 27 November, Equal Education (EE) in Gauteng will be launching our new campaign and releasing our research report on overcrowding in Gauteng’s schools. Between September 2019 and June 2020, we conducted research across nine schools in Etwatwa, Ekurhuleni. We collected data on 751 classes, measured and inspected 105 classrooms, and interviewed 51 school community members.
Our research report, entitled “No Space for Us: Understanding Overcrowding in Gauteng’s Schools” answers four key questions:
- What is overcrowding in a South African context?
- Are Gauteng’s schools overcrowded?
- What are the causes of overcrowding?
- What are the effects of overcrowding?
Our Gauteng overcrowding campaign forms part of our national school infrastructure campaign. 29 November 2021 is the anniversary of when Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga signed the Norms and Standards for Public School Infrastructure into law, eight years ago. The Norms and Standards demands that all schools should have been provided with enough classrooms by 29 November 2020 (as well as enough electricity, water, and toilets, and with fences, telephones and internet).
Our campaign launch will host a panel discussion on the impact of overcrowding in schools. We will also present the findings of research and we will hear from Equalisers (EE learner members), parents and teachers about their experiences of overcrowding.
Date: Saturday 27 November 2021
Time: 11am to 1:30pm
Venue for panel discussion: Stompie Skosana Community Center, Emaphupheni
Panel discussion speakers:
- Nicola Soekoe, former Equal Education researcher and author of No Space for Us: Understanding Overcrowding in Gauteng’s Schools
- Mugwena Maluleke, General Secretary of the South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU)
- Matakanye Matakanye, General Secretary of the National Association for School Governing Bodies
- Professor Brahm Fleisch, Professor in the Division of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at the School of Education, University of Witwatersrand
- Dr Sara Black, research fellow at the Centre for Education Rights and Transformation at the University of Johannesburg
- A Gauteng Department of Education representative
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For more information, contact:
Jay-Dee Cyster (Equal Education Communications Officer): jay-dee@equaleducation.org.za or 082 924 1352
