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03 January 2012
The IFP has slammed the move by government to
ban bonuses for teachers and principals who perform well at
former Model C schools, saying that this will not solve the
education system's woes.
"The new regulations by government will only
serve one purpose: it will further weaken the already struggling
public education system and boost the private education system,"
said Alfred Mpontshane MP, the IFP's spokesperson on education.
Mpontshane said that the regulations,
especially the curb on overtime paid, will have negative effects
on state schools.
"Under new regulations the amount of overtime
that a teacher can work will be limited. This means that if
already underpaid and overworked teachers do not wish to go the
extra mile for free, they will no longer be offering valuable
extra class time or important schools sports training. It is not
only teachers that are being penalized through this legislation,
but our children too," said Mpontshane.
Mpontshane said that the new system will lead
to mediocrity within the public education system, while those
teachers who strive for excellence and who want to be recognised
for their efforts, will simply leave the public education system
to join private schools.
"The IFP believes that this is yet another
ill-thought through decision by government, which will be to the
detriment of our children, their education and their futures. It
is clear that the decision was made without proper consultation
with all stakeholders.
The IFP will therefore raise this matter at
the next basic education portfolio committee meeting, with the
hope of resolving this matter," said Mpontshane.
In conclusion Mpontshane added that government
should rather focus on solving the many woes of the current
system. "Government's failure to provide the much-promised
incentives to teachers who are willing to teach at rural schools
will be one of the main reasons why we will see yet more
disappointing maths and science matric results tomorrow. The
provision of quality education and the affordability of it, is
government's responsibility, but this will not be achieved
through penalizing former Model C schools," concluded Mpontshane.
Contact: Mr Alfred Mpontshane MP, on 083 441
6201
or media enquiries: Ms Liezl van der Merwe, on
082 729 2510.
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