News24 Wire reports that the Covid-19 pandemic has put a halt to the SA Council for Educators’ (SACE’s) disciplinary procedures against teachers.  

On Tuesday SACE presented its annual performance plan to the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education and the Select Committee on Education and Technology, Sports, Arts and Culture.  CEO Ella Mokgalane indicated that for the duration of the Covid-19 lockdown investigations and disciplinary hearings would “not be executed as planned due to the inevitability of social contact, travelling by teachers and learners, as well accessibility of learners as witnesses during school closure.  This may contribute to a very slow turnaround time, rolling over many cases to the next financial year, and delaying justice on the part of the children.”  She advised that online sessions, such as using video link and its admissibility, were explored, but the disadvantages outweighed the advantages.  Mokgalane added that there were legal questions about the admissibility of virtual testimony.  She also said parents were refusing to release their children for hearings during the lockdown.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard at The Citizen

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