ENG1503
ASSIGNMENT 1 SEMESTER 2 2025
UNIQUE NO. 814563
DUE DATE: 15 AUGUST 2025
, ENG1503 Assignment 1 Semester 2 2025 (814563)
1) Target Audience and Justification
The target audience of the text is education policymakers, school leaders, teacher
unions, and the general South African public concerned about education. Firstly, the
article references research by Stellenbosch University and organisations like Equal
Education, indicating it aims to inform policymakers and academics. Secondly, the
mention of the South African Democratic Teachers' Union (Sadtu) and its calls for police
intervention and psycho-social support suggests that the piece is also directed at
decision-makers who can influence school policies and safety measures. Thirdly, by
including real cases of teacher abuse and regional challenges, the article engages the
wider public, encouraging awareness about the dire state of South African education.
The language used is formal yet accessible, ensuring that both educated readers and
the general public can understand the gravity of the problem. Structurally, the article is
clear, with direct quotes and evidence to back up its claims.
2) Summary of Main Points
The article discusses how nearly half of South African teachers are considering leaving
the profession within the next decade, mainly due to high workloads, excessive
administrative duties, and threats of violence from learners. One major issue is the
overwhelming amount of administrative tasks, with 70% of teachers stating this as their
biggest stressor, leaving little time for lesson planning and learner support. Secondly,
the threat of violence against teachers, especially in crime-prone township areas like
KwaMashu and Pinetown, has created unsafe teaching environments. Teachers are
physically assaulted, verbally abused, and often feel unsupported by school
management. Thirdly, there are significant challenges in retaining teachers in rural
provinces due to poor infrastructure, lack of resources, and insufficient training for
handling disadvantaged schools. The article emphasises the need for government
ASSIGNMENT 1 SEMESTER 2 2025
UNIQUE NO. 814563
DUE DATE: 15 AUGUST 2025
, ENG1503 Assignment 1 Semester 2 2025 (814563)
1) Target Audience and Justification
The target audience of the text is education policymakers, school leaders, teacher
unions, and the general South African public concerned about education. Firstly, the
article references research by Stellenbosch University and organisations like Equal
Education, indicating it aims to inform policymakers and academics. Secondly, the
mention of the South African Democratic Teachers' Union (Sadtu) and its calls for police
intervention and psycho-social support suggests that the piece is also directed at
decision-makers who can influence school policies and safety measures. Thirdly, by
including real cases of teacher abuse and regional challenges, the article engages the
wider public, encouraging awareness about the dire state of South African education.
The language used is formal yet accessible, ensuring that both educated readers and
the general public can understand the gravity of the problem. Structurally, the article is
clear, with direct quotes and evidence to back up its claims.
2) Summary of Main Points
The article discusses how nearly half of South African teachers are considering leaving
the profession within the next decade, mainly due to high workloads, excessive
administrative duties, and threats of violence from learners. One major issue is the
overwhelming amount of administrative tasks, with 70% of teachers stating this as their
biggest stressor, leaving little time for lesson planning and learner support. Secondly,
the threat of violence against teachers, especially in crime-prone township areas like
KwaMashu and Pinetown, has created unsafe teaching environments. Teachers are
physically assaulted, verbally abused, and often feel unsupported by school
management. Thirdly, there are significant challenges in retaining teachers in rural
provinces due to poor infrastructure, lack of resources, and insufficient training for
handling disadvantaged schools. The article emphasises the need for government
