Early childhood development (ECD) practitioners, better known as Grade R teachers are alleging that the Northern Cape Education Department has been allowing gross inequalities to continue under their watch.
Thandi Morolong (not her real name) told Solomon Star that some ECD teachers, who are applying their trade at former model C schools earn more than R12 000.00 per month and get a thirteenth cheque, while the majority who teach at township schools earn on average R7500.00, without a thirteenth cheque.
She pointed out that they do not get medical aid, pension and other benefits which are provided to their colleagues who are employed by the department. They claim to be exploited and indicated that while the public servants received an increase in April, they are yet to receive an increase.
The first ECD policy was introduced in 2001 by the erstwhile Minister of Education, Prof. Kader Asmal. The ultimate objective of the policy was to transform service delivery of ECD services by addressing gaps and ensuring universally available, comprehensive and equitable early childhood development.
The provincial education department has been providing bursaries for the ECD practitioners in collaboration with the University of North West for them to acquire a NQF level 6 qualification, which would put these practitioners on par with their colleagues in the main stream teaching. Another ECD teacher from a public school in Upington said: “Working hard, getting a qualification and registering with the South African Council for Educators (SACE) have been in vain. We are not even considered when applying for vacancies in the foundation phase. I have been a pre-primary teacher for ten years, without any benefits, whilst the cleaner at our school is employed by the department. Why is the education of our children always not a priority? Don’t get me wrong, the cleaning of the school is important, but teaching of learners is the core function of schools. If the SGB decides not to renew my annual contract I leave empty handed. Why are we being treated like stepchildren in teaching, whilst we are doing the most important job?”
According to the Policy on the Minimum Requirements for Teacher Education, Qualifications Grade R practitioners can gain fully qualified Foundation Phase teacher status through the completion of the Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching degree. Hopefully the department of education will consider providing bursaries for qualified ECD practitioners to become permanent employees, after attaining the qualification.
The ECD practitioners have indicated through their spokesperson that for now they want the Provincial Department of Education to “regulate” their salaries and benefits to ensure equal pay for equal work. The department of education has not responded to written questions submitted by Solomon Star.
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