Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

3-minute read
12 October 2023 | 18:10 CAT

World Teachers’ Day is an international day held annually on October 5 to celebrate the work of teachers. Getty Images

As the government is tightening its belt amid fiscal constraints, public sector unions in the country have raised concerns over the budget cuts in education, warning if austerity measures continue, this will have huge implications and unintended consequences for the quality and access to education in public schools.

The National Professional Teachers’ Organisation of South Africa, or Naptosa, has called on the government to invest in the recruitment, training and retention of teachers instead of cutting the budget for education.

Naptosa’s executive director, Basil Manuel, said investing in teachers’ recruitment, training, and retention is essential for unlocking the full potential of South Africa’s future generations.

“In an era where education plays a pivotal role in shaping societies and fostering individual growth, the scarcity of skilled teachers presents a global challenge, resulting in countries poaching South African teachers,” Manuel said.

He said addressing the shortage of skilled teachers is not merely a matter of numbers but a call to nurture a new generation of teachers who are proficient in their subjects and equipped with the academic skills and cultural competence required for the 21st century.

He said Naptosa was concerned that excessive austerity measures may compromise the educational experience.

“Our concerns revolve around reduced funding for critical resources, such as losing experienced educators by promoting early retirement, essential learning and teaching material are not supplied, inadequate infrastructure remains, and the provision of essential services, such as water and electricity continue to be erratic,” Manuel warned.

Manuel added that Naptosa was also worried about the non-filling of vacant posts. He said this could result in larger class sizes amid overcrowding at public schools, leading to diminished teacher-pupil interactions and pupil-centred learning.

The teacher union made the call on Thursday during World Teachers’ Day, commemorated annually worldwide. This year’s theme is: ‘The teachers we need for the education we want: The global imperative to reverse the teacher shortage’.

While investing in the training of educators is critical, Manuel said World Teachers’ Day was being celebrated against the backdrop of envisaged cost containment measures announced by the Treasury and discussed at various department meetings.

Listen to the full interview on The Daily Round-Up with Moulana Junaid Kharsany.