Press Statement dated 5 October 2018
Poor salaries, ill-disciplined leaners, inadequate teaching supplies and over-flowing classrooms are the realities that face many South African school Teachers. Despite these circumstances, many teachers still uphold their role in moulding and training young minds to become active citizens in the country’s economy.
“As we commemorate Teachers Day, the PSA, is discouraged by the levels of violence levelled against educators. Teachers in the country are faced with overwhelming problems, resulting from mismanagement and corruption. Unhappy, qualified teachers are leaving the sector taking their wealth of experience and knowledge with them, at a time when the education system is being criticized for failing to empower leaners in Mathematics, Science and Literacy”, says PSA General Manager Ivan Fredericks.
Support from parents has also become a critical component in dealing with problems in the sector. Parents are encouraged to become more active participants in their children’s education. Parents involvement with schooling activities has been shown to improve learning outcomes, as parents are the first educators that children have.
The PSA salutes teachers who show up every day, prepared and motivated to empower learners, regardless of the obstacles they face, the Union of Choice will continue to champion and protect the rights’ and interests of teachers.
Issued by Ivan Fredericks, General Manager, Public Servants Association (PSA)