Question NW632 to the Minister of Basic Education
07 April 2017 - NW632
Davis, Mr GR to ask the Minister of Basic Education
Whether, with reference to her reply to question 2592 on 1 December 2016, (a) she and/or (b) her department directed each provincial department of education to implement principal competency testing; if not, why not; if so, (i) on what date was the directive issued and (ii) which provinces have complied with the directive?
Reply:
(a) (b) The Director-General of the Department of Basic Education, Mr HM Mweli, has directed each Provincial Department of Education to implement principal competency testing in writing (i) on 27 January 2016.
(ii) Provinces have not complied with the directive because the matter has not been finalised at the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC). It is important for the matter to be concluded by the Council as it affects the basic conditions of employment of educators.
The Western Cape has a functional competency testing system for appointment of principals but it is not mandatory yet. School Governing Bodies are still given an option to utilise the system if they so wish.