Inkatha Freedom Party Statement By:
MR ALFRED MPONTSHANE MP
IFP EDUCATION SPOKESPERSON

18 September 2007

The Inkatha Freedom Party would like to welcome the proposals made by government for a dramatic change in the salary structures of teachers. 

One of the biggest deterrents within the industry has been the very small salary packages offered to teachers. This means that young people don't see teaching as a viable career while those who do qualify as teachers leave our shores for bigger pay packages in other countries. 

We believe that Minister Naledi Pandor did very well in proposing this new pay scheme and we are sure that this will go a long way in improving confidence within the teaching industry.  

We are however extremely worried about reports that at least R36bn was needed to deal with massive infrastructure backlogs at schools. It will not help us at all if we improve the quality of education by paying our educators more but our pupils lack the basic tools for education such as: libraries, toilets, water and properly equipped classrooms. The infrastructure crisis needs urgent attention as well. 

Furthermore, the IFP believes that the time has come for us to immediately look at the pay scales of our police officers and nurses. They deliver vital services to South Africans at unjustifiably low salaries.  

We need to improve their working conditions and pay structures not only because the bulk of them deserve it, but their careers too, will then become more attractive to school leavers.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Mr Alfred Mponthsane MP: 083 441 6201
Liezl van der Merwe: 083 611 7470