10 Dec 2020

Assistant Minister of Basic Education, Ms Naniki Makwinja has told Parliament that 26 temporary teachers are employed across the 11 primary schools in Selebi Phikwe.

She said Boitumelo Primary School had one temporary teacher while Tebogo,

Boswelakgomo, Thabologo and Segomotso primary each had two temporary teachers. Boitshoko and Phikwe primary schools had been allocated five temporary teachers each while Anderson Primary School had seven temporary teachers.

The minister said engagement for these temporary teachers began in June and July with durations not exceeding 12 months. She said they were all on their first engagement as temporary teachers and taught all subjects. She added that the ministry would continue to fill positions as and when vacancies arose, noting that they were currently unable to issue three to five-year contracts as they needed posts for that to happen.

Ms Makwinja further clarified that according to section 13 of the Public Service Act No. 30 of 2008, employment on temporary basis meant full time employment not exceeding 12 months. Due to this, she said issuance of three to five-year contracts would be contrary to provisions of temporary employment as defined in the public Service Act No.30 of 2008.

The minister was responding to a question from Selebi Phikwe MP, Mr Dithapelo Keorapetse, who wanted an update on the total number of temporary teachers in Selebi Phikwe primary schools and the number per school as well as the subjects they taught. Mr Keorapetse also wanted to know the duration of their contracts and reasons why they could not be absorbed into the permanent and pensionable employment or contracts of three to five years. Ends