Minister Motshekga: explain why new teachers will not be tested for competency

13 November 2014

Basic Education Deputy Minister, Mr Enver Surty, told parliament yesterday that his ministry has no intention of introducing competency tests as a prerequisite for entry to the teaching profession. 

Deputy Minister Surty's response to a DA question in the National Assembly is directly contrary to the requirements of the National Development Plan (NDP). The ‎NDP describes a "political pact" between government and the unions, and requires that within 5 years (by December 2016), competency tests must be in place for all those taking up teaching jobs.

I will write to the Minster of Basic Education, Ms Angie Motshekga, to ask her to explain why the Ministry has no plans to introduce competency tests for entry-level teachers. Research shows that South African Universities are not training teachers adequately. Competency tests are clearly required to make sure the right people are appointed to teach our children.

The Minister is not oblivious to the widespread practice of appointing incompetent cadres in return for cash or sexual favours, or union influence, as has been reported in the media. The Minister is also aware that competent teachers would welcome assessment of their abilities. Teachers would welcome the opportunity to not be tarred with the same brush as their less capable colleagues, as is currently the case.

But the Minister has chosen to defy the NDP recommendation that competency tests be implemented. The recommendations in the NDP are not negotiable. They must be implemented if we are serious about fixing our education system.

But we believe that the reason for all this is obvious: the NDP will never pass muster with SADTU, and therefore will not be implemented by an ANC government. The Minister is failing to show the determination to improve our education system. SADTU cannot hold the quality of education to ransom. The Minister simply cannot allow this. 

Statement issued by Annette Lovemore MP, DA Shadow Minister of Basic Education, November 13 2014

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