Question NW2923 to the Minister of Basic Education
20 October 2017 - NW2923
Mbatha, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Basic Education
Re-allocated to the Department of Basic Education by the questions office on 10 October 2017 What is the total number of teachers who are currently being funded by his department for (a) primary and (b) high school level?
Reply:
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) through the Funza Lushaka bursary programme is making a considerable contribution by improving the attractiveness of teaching as a choice for many South African youth. The merit-based criteria for awarding the bursary is contributing to a higher calibre of students entering Initial Teacher Education programmes. The Funza Lushaka bursary programme targeted to award a total of 13,500 bursaries for initial teacher education during 2017. Preliminary information from the Funza Lushaka Information Management System indicates that 15,127 applicants have been recommended for the Funza Lushaka bursary by 30 September 2017.
The total number of teachers who are currently being funded by the Funza Lushaka bursary programme for (a) primary school is 6,708 and (b) high school is 8,419.