Question NW2020 to the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
02 September 2021 - NW2020
Nodada, Mr BB to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
Whether there are different procedures to be followed in respect of the appointment of foreign educators, as opposed to South African educators; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what (a) is the reason for the different procedures and (b) are the further relevant details?
Reply:
The procedures in relation to the appointment of foreign nationals in South Africa are regulated in terms of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No.13 of 2002, as amended), and the Immigration Regulations 2014 (as amended); with the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) as the custodians. Therefore, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) established a procedure for the appointment of foreign educators in State-paid posts at public schools. The procedure is aligned with the provisions of the Immigration Act and its Regulations. Thus, (a) the procedure in relation to the appointment of foreign educators will differ in that it is subjected to the provisions as stipulated in the Immigration Act and Regulations; and (b) In principle, foreign educators are considered as a last resort, and currently are considered in subjects identified as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). A guideline document on the employment of foreign educators, which is aligned with the provisions of both the Immigration Act and Immigration Regulations, has since been adopted, and is implemented when foreign educators are appointed. A working relationship between the DBE, DHA and the Department of Labour has also been established.