Gauteng has a shortage of nearly 200 schools: Education MEC, Lebogang Maile

Gauteng Education MEC, Lebogang Maile, says the province is grappling with a shortage of nearly 200 schools, which is causing overcrowding at public schools.

He says the province needs about R35 billion to build the new schools.

There have been growing complaints from parents at several schools, where overcrowding forces some learners to sit on the floor or on their school bags.

Gauteng has more than 2000 public schools, including over 1000 primary schools and just over 600 high schools.

Maile has warned that unless the shortage is addressed, the province may struggle to place all learners next year.

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