Estimating wasted financial and human resources in the South African public school system – a data envelopment analysis

DATA AVAILABILITY: The datasets analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request. This particularly relates to the DEA model inputs and results. Most of data sources are listed in the reference list.In South Africa, 12 230 191 or 95 per cent of learners are registered in primary and secondary public schools presided over by the nine provinces. The provincial education spending annually constitutes approximately 40 per cent of total provincial expenditure but the general quality of education spending and outcomes remain poor. This points to the existence of inefficiencies in the education sector, warranting a scientific investigation.National Research Foundation and the University of Pretoria.https://www.adonis-abbey.com/show_journal1.php?list_journals=22024-03-01Economic