A Cape Town father has launched a petition calling for changes to South Africa’s homework policies, arguing that excessive workloads are contributing to stress and burnout among schoolchildren.
A Cape Town father and former teacher has launched a campaign calling for a nationwide review of homework practices, arguing that excessive workloads are contributing to stress, anxiety and burnout among schoolchildren.
Joseph Nefdt's petition, titled Stop all educational homework in South Africa, is urging education authorities to introduce clearer guidelines on homework and reduce what he believes has become an unreasonable burden on learners.
While the petition's title calls for an end to homework, Nefdt told IOL that his goal is not to eliminate homework entirely but to establish a more balanced and standardised approach.
“The academic load has become so burdensome that it does not leave adequate time for children to engage in necessary recreational and social activities,” Nefdt said.
