FEDSAS and SAOU part of solution for Eastern Cape's teacher shortage

THE teacher shortage in the Eastern Cape should soon be a thing of the past. This is the result of a joint effort by the Federation of Governing Bodies of South African Schools (FEDSAS) and the South African Teachers' Union (SAOU).

In an interim decision the Bisho High Court has ordered the Eastern Cape Education Department to fill all substantive posts which were occupied by educators on a temporary basis at public schools last year. This is to be done within five days of the service of the court order. The province has a teacher shortage of some 6000.

"We are grateful that the court agrees with us, but what a sad state of affairs is it that we had to go to court again to get the education department to change its tune. And as usual children are the victims - schools in this province had to cope with a teacher shortage for five weeks," said Mr Paul Colditz, FEDSAS CEO and Mr Chris Klopper, SAOU CEO, in a joint release.

The court case was the result of a decision by the Eastern Cape Education Department to try and solve its financial crisis by cutting teacher posts.

"Two days before this court case the Eastern Cape Head of Education literally declared war against governing bodies by stating that ‘this is war'," said Colditz. "FEDSAS and the SAOU condemn statements such as these. We are role-players in education, not enemies. The Schools' Act clearly states that we are partners and should act in the best interest of schools. These irresponsible statements do not contribute to solving the problem."

Colditz and Klopper said as far as the Eastern Cape Education Department's problems are concerned this interim decision is but one victory. "This department is completely dysfunctional and it is high time that the National Department of Basic Education steps in. Until that happens, FEDSAS and its education partners will not hesitate to go to court to ensure that the needs and constitutional rights of learners and teachers are honoured."

Judge Jannie Eksteen presided and the State was ordered to pay the costs of the application for urgent relief.

Statement issued by Mr Paul Colditz, CEO: FEDSAS and Mr Chris Klopper, CEO: SAOU, February 22 2011

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