Competent educators in classrooms is the most important link in the education chain. Despite this, problems persist with the publication of vacancy lists as well as the advertising of posts in nearly all provinces.

“Appointing a teacher requires several processes to be in place. However, nothing can happen without the publication of provincial vacancy lists and advertising of posts,” says Dr Jaco Deacon, CEO of FEDSAS (the Federation of Governing Bodies of South African Schools).

An unlawful practice in many provinces is not advertising post level 1 positions. “Post level 1 is for entry-level teachers. According to the Personnel Administrative Measures (PAM) in the Employment of Educators Act it is a legal requirement that these posts be advertised similar to promotional posts. Yet it is only the Western Cape Education Department that advertise post level 1 positions regularly.”

Deacon says when these posts are not properly advertised it creates opportunities for abuse and manipulation. “An example is the abuse of temporary appointments where ‘delays’ with the process result in the temporary appointment becoming permanent without proper interviews. This leads to questions about fairness and transparency of the appointment process.”

Even when processes are followed correctly, provinces’ delays result in staff having to act in a higher post, often without remuneration. Or there are vacancies in posts that the school are entitled to according to its post provision but administrative red tape, and often incompetence, mean that there aren’t even temporary educators in these positions.

FEDSAS notes with concern that some provinces are considering cutting a number of posts. “These teachers must be declared redundant, and they must apply for available positions at other schools. They will not be aware of other positions if these are not advertised. The same goes for young educators – where should they apply for jobs if no positions are advertised?”

Deacon says the outdated format of the process also contributes to delays. “FEDSAS wants to see that posts are advertised immediately on an electronic platform and filled straight away without having to wait for one or two vacancy lists.”

FEDSAS requests the Minister of Basic Education to see to it that provinces adhere to the stipulations of regular advertisements and that vacancies are filled without delay. “South Africa already has a huge shortage of teachers. We cannot afford that existing positions are not filled quickly and correctly.”