Education in crisis | Concern over shocking state of some schools

JOHANNESBURG - The Federation of Trade Unions has accused the Basic Education Department of undermining people's right to a high-quality education.

The union body has challenged senior department and government officials to enroll their children in public schools.

It was responding to a recent Public Protector report exposing the appalling conditions at certain institutions, including overcrowding that put nearly 170 students in a single classroom.

READ: Education inequality | Overcrowding still an issue in Gauteng schools

"We have been worried and we continue to be worried with the state of the public service," said spokesperson Trevor Shaku.

"In context of the report that exposes the conditions of at least two schools in the Eastern Cape, we've become even more worried.

"However, we are not shocked. This is the reality of many schools across rural provinces."