Lack of teachers in North West a major concern
A SHORTAGE of teachers has affected learning in North West, after mass resignations, the provincial Department of Education admitted yesterday.
“As a department we can confirm that we have a shortage of teachers because of mass resignations that affected most provinces, including North West. This posed a serious threat in the classroom,” said spokesman Elias Malindi.
He said both teachers and pupils were key to the existence of the Department of Education.
“It would be a serious oversight for anyone to think that the department would neglect such crucial stakeholders.
“Co-management of the department by the Treasury also caused a delay in the appointment of teachers to vacant posts.”
However, the department said issues had been resolved by engaging with the provincial Treasury to grant access to districts to use the Persal system so that districts could make appointments.
“A circular instructing districts was issued a week ago.”
The DA in North West said it was deeply concerned about the critical shortage of teachers in the majority of schools in the province, as well as the lack of resources such as tables and chairs.
“During a visit to Majakaneng (near Brits), all the schools visited reported a critical shortage of teach- ers,” said Tutu Faleni, the DA spokesman on education in North West.
“Some learners at Seroophathe Primary School are without teachers in the classrooms. The DA has been informed that many other schools across the province are experiencing a shortage of teachers.”
He said school principals had reported that the Department of Education had issued an instruction last month which prohibited them from filling teacher vacancies against promotional posts.
“This critical shortage of teachers is also a result of the mass exodus of about 1 500 teachers who resigned from schools in North West last year,” the DA said.
“Principals at schools are unable to fill vacant posts immediately due to the cumbersome processes of appointing teachers in vacant posts.”
Regarding classroom furniture, the department said it had made provision for both new and existing schools.
However, a shortage of classroom furniture was greatly affected by learner-enrolment, Malindi said.
“For existing schools, districts must identify needy schools and take necessary measures to procure furniture for them.
“The department will establish the extent of the shortage by engaging all districts,” he added. – ANA
We have a shortage because of resignations