Qualification rules for Grade R teachers spark fears of job losses

South Africa’s plan to fully integrate Grade R into the formal schooling system is facing growing resistance, amid concerns that thousands of experienced early childhood educators could lose their jobs.

The Department of Basic Education now requires all Grade R teachers to hold a minimum NQF Level 6 qualification under the Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill.

Basil Manuel, Executive Director of the National Professional Teachers' Organisation of South Africa (NAPTOSA), warns that many long-serving practitioners, particularly those nearing retirement, may not be able to meet the new requirement despite decades of classroom experience.

Manuel said while improving qualifications is necessary, forcing veteran educators out of the system risks personal hardship and the loss of valuable skills.

The union has proposed alternatives such as recognising prior learning or redeploying experienced teachers as assistants, but says cost constraints are driving the department’s decision.

"For the person who has spent the last 30 years ensuring that the wheels of the economy turn because they have kept our children in these little schools, they've looked after the children, they've cared, and the vast majority of them have done stellar work, to throw them out into the street now where they're reaching the retirement age doesn't seem to be the best solution. We still contend that there are other ways of doing this. We want to qualify people, but we don't want these people on the street. But there is the money problem that has been placed in our laps now."

Manuel cautioned that while unemployed qualified teachers could fill vacancies, the approach lacks creativity and fairness and could deepen the crisis in early childhood education.

To listen to Basil Manuel in conversation with CapeTalk's John Maytham, click the audio below: