Foreigners not dominating public schools: minister

BASIC Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has categorically dismissed claims that foreign learners are “overrunning” South African public schools.

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Gwarube stated that the assertion lacked any factual grounding and was not supported by statistical evidence.

She was responding to parliamentary questions from MK Party MP Pinky Mngadi, who queried the justification the Department of Basic Education allocated public resources to foreign learners when such action impacted on the access to quality education by South African learners.

Gwarube pointed out that only 1.8% of learners in public schools are foreign nationals, thus far below any threshold that would suggest an overwhelming influence.

“The Department of Basic Education notes that, according to verified national enrolment data, foreign learners constitute only 1.8% of the total learner population, while 98.2% of learners enrolled in public schools are South African citizens.

“The claim that foreign learners are ‘overrunning’ schools or are the primary cause of system pressure is, therefore, not supported by evidence.”