Johannesburg -
Within three weeks in office, new Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi said the department had dismissed 10 teachers who were “found in compromising positions with our girl children”.
Lesufi, who made his maiden speech at the Gauteng legislature on Wednesday, was outlining his department’s priorities.
“We mean business when we say we will tackle lawlessness head on. We warn our educators and learners to avoid finding themselves crossing the line,” he said.
Lesufi urged teachers and pupils to do what is required of them and said the department would also play its role.
“I have approved the establishment of a permanent teacher and learner tribunal to deal with all cases of misconduct of learners and educators.
“These tribunals will be chaired by eight different chairpersons, with eight prosecutors to ensure all cases of misconduct and ill-discipline are tackled with speed.
“Gone are the days where teachers spent many months on paid leave awaiting disciplinary cases to be concluded,” he said.
Also among the department’s priorities were school infrastructure and what the MEC called classrooms of the future, in which pupils had access to the internet and could work from mobile devices.
On infrastructure, Lesufi said: “The provision of water and electricity is part of our programme of action within the first 100 days.
“Any school with bucket or pit toilets should be prioritised, and these inhumane conditions must be addressed without delay.”
Lesufi also said he would ensure that the department no longer delayed in paying out pension money to retired teachers, a problem he admitted was unjustifiable.
The Star