Operation Dudula raised their concerns about what they describe as the “deliberate exclusion” of South African teachers from opportunities for employment. The organization believes that there is a growing number of foreign nationals employed in these teaching positions.
Members part of the organization marched Gauteng Education Department’s offices. They presented officials with a memorandum of their demands.
These demands requested fairness in application processes and placement of teachers at schools. The group, often accused of xenophobia, requested the department to prioritise employed qualified South Africans in teaching positions.
One of the unemployed teachers, part of the organization, questioned the fairness of the online application process. The teacher stated that the website is filled with technical issues which makes it difficult for prospective applicants to apply for teaching positions.
The unemployed teacher stated that these technical issues put prospective teachers at a disadvantage. She also stated that it makes them feel overlooked when others are placed in teaching positions in their communities.
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane promised to address the concerns and issues raised by the members of the Dudula organization. Chiloane stated that the department is doing its best to ensure that graduates and qualified teachers are placed at schools.
The MEC has promised to look into extending the advertising period of teaching posts available in the province. “We need to increase the time frame of advertising and increase the communication of these opportunities so that everybody, as much as possible, they are able to access this information,” said Chiloane.
Chiloane has promised to meet with the Operation Dudula leaders next week. During their meeting, the MEC is hoping to map out a way forward which will benefit all teachers.
