Question NW1795 to the Minister of Basic Education

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07 October 2016 - NW1795

Profile picture: Steenkamp, Ms J

Steenkamp, Ms J to ask the Minister of Basic Education

Whether, in line with recommendation 14 of the report of the Ministerial Task Team to investigate allegations into the selling of posts of educators by members of teacher unions and departmental officials in provincial education departments, she is taking steps to ensure that (a) her department, (b) the Department of Higher Education and Training and (c) universities and other stakeholders, including unions, lead ongoing discussions aimed at developing a broad-based philosophy of education, consistent with our history and the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, which will underpin the education and training of educators and shape the practice of education in public schools throughout South Africa; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

ANSWER (a)(b)(c)

The Policy on the Minimum Requirements for Teacher Education Qualifications (MRTEQ) in Appendix A describes the Community, citizenship and pastoral role of teachers as follow: “The Educator will practice and promote a critical, committed and ethical attitude towards developing a sense of respect and responsibility towards others.” The Department of Basic Education (DBE) will work with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and the South African Council for Educators (SACE) to ensure that the training of new teachers adheres to the Policy.

The DBE, the DHET and other stakeholders are also collaborating in a SACE-led process to develop a set of professional standards for teachers’ practice that is theoretically informed, contextually appropriate and widely accepted by stakeholders. A set of professional practice standards will enable teachers to develop a shared understanding of what they should know, and be able to do, with regards to their work in the South African education system including ethical considerations.

The DBE will also collaborate with SACE to ensure that the Code of Ethics is foregrounded during World Teacher Day and as part of celebrations during Teachers’ Month.

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