Government currently has 2 584 teachers employed on contract, a situation that continues to raise concern over job security and stability in the education sector.
This was revealed by Minister of Education and Training Owen Nxumalo in responses tabled in Parliament by Portfolio Committee Chairperson Manqoba Sihlongonyane.
Nxumalo said efforts to convert the positions into permanent and pensionable posts were ongoing, subject to approval by the Ministry of Public Service.
He explained that the process requires coordination between the Ministry of Education and Training, the Ministry of Public Service and the Ministry of Finance.
“These requests are informed by the number of teachers currently serving on contract, as well as staffing needs across the country,” he said.
However, Nxumalo noted that the number of approved posts is often lower than requested due to broader public service establishment considerations and fiscal constraints.
RELATED | Minister orders reinstatement of rejected contract teachers
He said teachers were converted based on the year they qualified, adding that permanent employment requires the necessary teaching qualifications.
“The Teaching Service Commission (TSC) uses the year of qualification as a criterion for engagement and promotion. However, limited approved posts make it impossible to convert all graduates from the same year at once,” he said.
Nxumalo added that scarce subject combinations were prioritised, particularly:
-
Mathematics and Physics
-
Mathematics and Chemistry
-
Siswati and English (degree level)
“These combinations are rare, possibly due to their difficulty at tertiary level and are therefore prioritised in both recruitment and conversion,” he said.
He further noted that primary school teachers in remote areas were also prioritised.
Nxumalo clarified that no one is allowed to work as a teacher without approval from the ministry.
Responding to a question from Mpolonjeni MP Kwanele Ndzimandze on volunteer teachers, he said their presence was largely due to staffing shortages.
He explained that delays in obtaining waivers from the public service limited the number of teachers the TSC could recruit.
ALSO READ | Week Five: ECOT closure continues
Mtfongwaneni MP Nathi Hlophe urged the ministry to speed up the conversion process, saying it was unacceptable for some teachers to remain on contract for up to 16 years.
Meanwhile, Ndzimandze questioned whether existing legislation was hindering teacher recruitment and suggested that such laws be reviewed by Parliament.
Gege MP Magesi Dlamini also raised concerns about inconsistencies in promotion criteria.
He noted that some teachers remain on contract for over 10 years while others are made permanent after just three.
He said the ministry should adhere to the seniority list when making promotions.
