The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture has outlined strategic initiatives to curb the high unemployment rate in the education sector.

This is in response to the acknowledgement of a petition submitted to the Ministry by unemployed graduate teachers last month.

In a statement, Education Minister Sanet Steenkamp said the institution would introduce a Decongestion Plan covering the 2025/2027 academic years.

The plan aims to decrease the crowding of learners in schools and the implementation of new teaching posts.

Additionally, the Ministry will establish a Teaching Profession Council to professionalise and strengthen the standards of teachers nationwide.

Steenkamp also stated that the Early Childhood Development function would be transitioned to the Ministry by the year 2027.

The Ministry further urged the nation to make use of communication tools to address economic issues and should refrain from unlawful practices such as camping at public facilities or government offices.