Funza student prioritisation is unfair

Educators are the heartbeat of the country’s development because their profession produces lawyers, scientists, media personalities, social workers and many others. They are a vital cog and need to be celebrated for their enormous contribution.

In the same breath, I applaud the government for introducing the Funza Lushaka bursary programme to ensure that students who pursue this noble career receive all the necessary financial assistance.

While the Funza Lushaka bursary programme is a great initiative, it is glaringly unfair that the beneficiaries of this bursary are prioritised when it comes to employment ahead of other equally qualified graduates.

Having people overlooked for certain opportunities simply because they were not part of the bursary programme is the height of unfairness. The pain of losing out on a bursary application and still go on to lose out on a job opportunity is unbearable and can lead to depression and suicide.

There is absolutely no basis to justify the absorption of Funza Lushaka beneficiaries ahead of those who were funded by NSFAS or paid from their own pockets.

Educator posts ought to be advertised and be applied for by everyone, equally and fairly, and not for people to be given opportunities on a silver platter ahead of others.

I urge the department of basic education to re-look this issue, to avoid a situation where schools hire incompetent educators for certain subjects simply because the policy says so. Let there be equal opportunities for all to compete for vacant posts.

Oupa Mnisi Tlhavekisa