The Public Servants Association (PSA) has called for an investigation into the appointment of a Grade 9 educator at Saul Damon Secondary School in Upington who does not have any teaching qualifications or experience.
THE PUBLIC Servants Association (PSA) has called for an investigation into the appointment of a Grade 9 educator at Saul Damon Secondary School in Upington who does not have any teaching qualifications or experience.
PSA provincial manager Steve Ledibane said the educator was formerly employed as an HR official at the Department of Education in the ZF Mgcawu district.
“Her husband is a deputy director at the same district office. The Department of Education must investigate any undue influence that was used in her appointment. If she was head-hunted for the position the department must disclose what scarce skills she possesses.”
He stated that the educator resigned from her position at the district offices on April 30 and was appointed the following day on May 1 as an educator at the high school.
“No recruitment and selection processes were followed and the post was never advertised.
“A month after her appointment she was awarded a level 13 salary that should be awarded to educators with a teaching diploma and degree while she has no teaching qualifications. This is while many suitable qualified educators on the waiting list are unemployed and have no income. They are playing with the education of our children while the pass rates are dwindling.”
Ledibane added that the educator’s husband had only been issued a sanction of one month’s suspension without pay after damaging a state vehicle.
“He was appointed to act as the acting director of corporate services without the necessary experience and qualifications. The HOD and MEC must urgently investigate his fitness to hold office.”
Spokesperson for the Northern Cape Department of Education Lehuma Ntuane pointed out that the department did not actively participate in the selection and recruitment of educators at schools.
“It is the responsibility of schools to shortlist, recruit and appoint candidates for educator posts. The department’s responsibility in this process is to approve the appointment, mostly in concurrence with recommendations made by the school.
“This approach was followed in the appointment of the educator at Saul Damon High School in Upington.”
He stated that she was currently appointed as a temporary educator at the school and appointed at level REQV 10 and not REQV 13.
“These issues were discussed and resolved in the presence of PSA.”
“We try to maintain a cordial working relationship with our stakeholders including the labour unions and PSA is no exception. In the event there are matters arising and there is a need for an extensive discussion or clarity there is no confusion on how to process such matters.
“We commit to further look into this matter after discussing with PSA and the district office of ZF Mgcawu.”
