EDUCATION OVERLOAD: Breaking point: Reports shows nearly 60% of public school principals are ready to quit (opens original article in a new tab)

Nearly 60% of South African public school principals are considering quitting due to excessive administrative burdens, with reports showing increased compliance demands, duplicated data tracking, and unrealistic deadlines affecting their ability to focus on educational leadership.

• 60% of public school principals in South Africa consider quitting due to administrative overload
• Principals spend excessive time on compliance, reporting, and financial tasks, reducing focus on educational leadership
• Administrative burden increased significantly over the past five years with duplicated data demands and unrealistic deadlines
• GBF recommends system-level reforms to streamline data collection and improve school governance