10 Aug 2015

There are eight teachers holding secondary education diploma at primary schools in the Jwaneng/Mabutsane Constituency.

Assistant Minister of Education and Skills Development, Mr Moiseraele Goya, told Parliament, Friday that the eight teachers were employed on temporary basis to stand in for teachers on study and maternity leave. 

Mr Goya said when appointments at that level were made, priority was always given to qualified and trained primary school teachers. 

He, however, said in some instances, the ministry was forced as last resort to secure services of secondary education diploma holders to serve in primary schools.

Mr Goya said deployment of secondary education diploma holders or those holding higher qualifications were motivated purely by expression of interest and preparedness to accept temporary employment in locations considered or perceived to be remote.

He explained that there were no teachers on full time basis and that there were eight teachers temporary basis, out of which six were engaged on a three-month contract.

Further, he noted that the Department of Teaching Service Administration maintained a database on unemployed graduates. 

He said the database included those who were currently employed on temporary basis and continued to be absorbed as and when appropriate vacancies were available. 

Mr Goya was responding to questions from Jwaneng MP, Mr Shawn Ntlhaile, who wanted to know the number of teachers holding secondary education and diploma employed at primary schools in the Jwaneng-Mabutsane Constituency.

Mr Ntlhaile also wanted to know the number of those on full-time and temporary basis, their length on temporary appointment and whether there were plans to appoint them on full-time basis so that they enjoyed the same benefits enjoyed by primary school teachers. ENDS