Dominic Adriaanse
THE Basic Education Department (BED) is soon to license teachers, even though some of them remain opposed.
Licensing will be done in conjunction with the South Africa Council of Educators (SACE).
Basic Education spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga said the initiative, dating back to 2003, was based on research from a ministerial task team appointed by then education minister Kader Asmal.
Having teachers licensed will ensure teachers go for continuous training and development, said Mhlanga.
Mhlanga said qualifications alone are not enough and technically training is also required.
National Professional Teachers Organisation of South Africa chairperson Moses Standaar said they were waiting for the national Department of Basic Education to communicate with them.
“We are all for continued teacher improvement, which is already implemented by the South African Council of Educators through their 150-point grading system. There has been no official word provided to us about the so-called teacher’s licence and any comment now would be premature,” said Standaar.
National Teachers Union South Africa chairperson Allan Thompson said that at this stage they were opposed to the initiative.
“There are already programmes in place and this seems to be jumping the gun, as teachers are already not compensated according to their qualifications. Unless there is something we are misunderstanding about the process, teachers are studying and achieving qualifications but are still considered on the same level as those with a basic certificate,” said Thompson.
Upgrading of teacher skills was to be welcomed, he said, but trade unions should have been consulted.
SACE spokesperson Thembinkosi Ndlovu said “professionalisation of teachers” was their mandate. A holistic approach will be taken.
“We are taking one step at a time and all will be consulted and involved. As the custodians of continued teacher development we are embarking on this initiative, but it’s too soon to say anything,” said Ndlovu.