The new school year has barely begun, yet alarming claims of severe overcrowding at Zeekoevlei Primary School have already ignited public concern. An education watchdog has revealed that as many as 76 learners were allegedly placed into a single Grade 7 Afrikaans classroom, raising urgent questions about learner welfare, teaching quality, and school management.
The disclosure emerged after Parents for Equal Education South Africa founder Vanessa le Roux shared a post on social media, relaying a complaint received from a distressed parent. The parent questioned how such conditions could be considered acceptable, particularly for learners at a critical stage of their academic development, where individual attention and structured learning are essential.
Teachers Overstretched And Learners Overlooked
According to the complaint shared by Le Roux, the situation extends beyond a single overcrowded classroom. The parent claimed that only two teachers are responsible for teaching all nine subjects in Grade 7, placing immense strain on educators while simultaneously compromising the learning environment for pupils.
Le Roux quoted the parent’s disbelief and frustration in stark terms, stating,
I received a call from a parent of Zeekoevlei Primary, who asked how can it be OK? Her child is in Grade 7 and they are allegedly 76 children in one class, for the Afrikaans subject (sic).
She further relayed the parent’s anger at the apparent lack of oversight, adding,
Are these people ouf of their minds. Where is the School Governing Body? What do they expect from the teachers?
Parents Voice Disappointment And Fear For Children
The concerned parent continued to express deep disappointment, arguing that such overcrowding demonstrates a failure to prioritise children’s educational needs. The parent emphasised that the issue is not simply logistical, but deeply personal for families who entrust schools with their children’s futures.
In another quoted message, the parent said,
The Afrikaans class has 76 learners. The Grade 7 learners have nine subjects with two teachers who must teach all nine subjects.
The message concluded with a stark assessment of the situation,
I am very disappointed, the children are not being put first, you can clearly see that. If you put 76 children in a class then you don’t put children first.
Education Department Acknowledges Structural Problems
Following these revelations, the Western Cape Education Department confirmed that challenges at the school do exist, particularly regarding class structures and timetabling. The department indicated that officials had already intervened and were actively working to resolve the matter.
Department spokesperson Bronagh Hammond sought to reassure parents and the broader community, stating,
This matter is being resolved as we speak. Our district staff are currently at the school to address it.
She added that district officials had visited the school earlier in the week and identified specific operational shortcomings.
Staffing Changes And Timetable Adjustments Underway
Hammond explained that the overcrowding stemmed partly from staffing changes that took effect at the end of the previous academic year. According to the department, the conclusion of a School Governing Board funded post created an immediate need for additional Afrikaans teaching capacity in Grade 7.
She said,
Following the conclusion of an School Governing Board funded post at the end of last year, the school now requires an additional Afrikaans class in Grade 7 to accommodate learners effectively.
The department has since reviewed educator qualifications and scheduled further meetings to rework the timetable and explore available solutions.
Key Figures Highlighting The Scale Of The Problem
While the department maintains that the issue will be resolved within the week, the figures provided by parents and officials underline the seriousness of the situation and the potential impact on both learners and teachers.
| Issue | Reported Figure |
|---|---|
| Learners In One Afrikaans Class | 76 |
| Grade 7 Subjects | 9 |
| Teachers Assigned To Grade 7 | 2 |
Community Trust Tested As Resolution Is Awaited
The situation at Zeekoevlei Primary School has reignited broader debates around overcrowding, resource allocation, and accountability within public education. For parents, the concern is immediate and emotional, centred on whether their children are receiving the education they deserve in a safe and supportive environment.
As officials work to restructure classes and timetables, parents and advocacy groups will be watching closely to see whether promised interventions translate into meaningful change. The outcome may well shape confidence in how swiftly and effectively authorities respond when the welfare of learners is called into question.
