18 Jul 2019

The Botswana Teaching Professionals Council will open opportunities for teachers to work outside the country and  to enhance the marketability of Botswana teachers internationally.

The MP for Lerala/Maunatlala, Mr Prince Maele on Monday supported the bill, saying it would recognise teachers as professionals by enhancing quality and retention of teachers  in the teaching field.

Mr Maele said the bill would  attract aspiring international teachers, adding that they had been reluctant to practice in Botswana because of the absence of the council.

He also indicated that government would retain teachers since some clauses in the bill required teachers to go through a test for them to register as members, saying it would motivate  to further develop their credentials.

Although he supported  the bill, Mr Maele said he disagreed  with some clauses such as clause six which stated that the CEO should  be a member of the board. Instead, Mr Maele suggested that the CEO should rather be the board secretariat, saying it would ensure monitoring accordingly.

He also noted clause 18 of resignation of the registrar, which required the registrar to serve three months upon resignation, saying it was tantamount to unfair labour practice and suggested one month notice.

For his part, the MP for Jwaneng/Mabutsane, Mr Shawn Ntlhaile also supported the bill, saying it was long overdue. Mr Ntlhaile said the bill was progressive as it was expected to  enhance quality of learning and teaching in the country. However, Mr Ntlhaile noted that the bill should be presented with intention to ‘promote and regulate,’ and not only to regulate. Mr Ntlhaile said the way the bill was presented appeared to be targeting to punish teachers.

Contributing to the bill, Member of Parliament for Shashe West, Mr Fidelis Molao said the teaching profession had suffered intense reputational damage in terms of integrity and professionalism as a result of the absence of a regulatory body.

He said the legislation would bring back the credibility and restore the pride and image of the teaching profession.

Mr Molao further said the bill would set standards that ‘all members of this profession will adhere to such as being registered and be deregistered.’ Furthermore, Mr Molao said the bill would also assist Botswana to catch up with other countries as it was the best international practice which would open avenues for local teachers affording them better opportunities in other countries.

As Botswana is transforming to a knowledge-based economy, the MP for Palapye, Mr Moiseraele Goya said the bill was befitting as education was at the centre of the entire transformation process.

He said to achieve the national agenda, the education system should be firm and produce right quality to help transform the economy of the country.

He said the bill would bring quality standards, work ethics and regulations that would improve quality education in Botswana.

He also said that the teaching professionals council bill would ‘somehow help assist in  improving  results in schools because of the clauses encompassed.’ ENDS