Hiring freeze of retired teachers is not in the interest of quality education 

9 April 2015

According to reports, the Minister of Basic Education, Ms Angie Motshekga, wants to prevent teachers who resigned in order to access their pension funds, from being rehired. 

This is not in the interest of learners. 

Among those who retired last year, out of anxiety about the stability of their pension funds, are many good, experienced teachers. 

We need these teachers in the classroom.  

The Minister must put the interests of the learner first. I will write to Minster Motshekga, urging her to withdraw this block urgently.

Last year there was a noticeable increase in the number of resignations amid rumours that teachers would no longer be entitled to a lump sum payment upon retirement. In November alone approximately 4 600 teachers resigned.

The key issue was that the teachers did not trust the government and Minister Motshekga needs to address this issue directly. The Minister should, at that stage, have done far more to reassure and retain education's greatest assets -its teachers.

These teachers, who have a wealth of experience, should be allowed to compete fairly for available positions. If they are good teachers, they must be allowed to teach.

To issue a directive that certain teachers cannot be employed is in all likelihood unconstitutional and discriminatory. The fact that the Minister has written directly to provinces issuing a directive regarding their staff is also, in our view an encroachment on the powers of the provinces. 

Issuing a directive that these teachers should not be rehired only fuels mistrust and further fails to put the interest of the learners first.

Statement issued by Annette Lovemore MP, DA Shadow Minister of Basic Education, April 9 2015

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