Motshekga said a total of 811 teachers have been placed in schools to replace teachers with comorbidities.
She said the department has identified 4 776 Funza Lushaka bursary students in their final year of study who could potentially be of use to the education department.
"A further 5 664 Funza Lushaka unplaced graduates are also available to assist with substituting and/or assisting educators affected by Covid-19," she said.
Gauteng and the Northern Cape were leading provinces with more than 1300 unplaced students.
When asked about substitute teachers, Motshekga said the department is not looking to only recruit substitute teachers because there is currently not a high demand for them.
"It should be noted, however, that there is currently a limited need to provide substitute educators. Only in specific cases where there is no other educator qualified in the specialisation or in case of class teaching is the substitute provided," she said.
Motshekga said teachers will be employed based on the need for their services and there are currently no details about how long they will be employed.
More details about the employment terms will be released by provinces when they are available.
