IFP slams schools bonus ban

2012-01-03 21:18

Johannesburg - The Inkatha Freedom Party has criticised the decision by the department of basic education to restrict former Model C schools from paying teacher bonuses and other financial incentives.

"The new regulations by government will only serve one purpose: it will further weaken the already struggling public education system and boost the private education system," IFP spokesperson for education, Alfred Mpontshane MP, said on Tuesday.

The new regulations, which came into effect on December 15, limit the number of hours for which a teacher can claim overtime.

The regulations stipulate a governing body may not employ a state teacher for more than two extra hours on a school day and six hours on a non-school day.

Schools would have to submit applications to the relevant provincial education department for permission to pay teachers overtime.

Mpontshane said the regulations would have a negative effect on state schools.

"Under new regulations the amount of overtime that a teacher can work will be limited.

"This means that if already underpaid and overworked teachers do not wish to go the extra mile for free, they will no longer be offering valuable extra class time or important schools sports training.

"It is not only teachers that are being penalised through this legislation, but our children too," he said.

Mpontshane said the new system would lead to mediocrity within the public education system, while those teachers who wanted to be recognised for their efforts would leave the public sector to join private schools.

He said the IFP intended raising the matter at the next basic education portfolio committee meeting.

- SAPA