NW MEC says some Grade R diploma holders lack qualification to teach

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North West MEC for Education Viola Motsumi says the Department is not necessarily doing away with the Grade R diploma.

She says some Grade R diploma holders do not meet the requirements for being qualified Grade R teachers.

This, following an outcry from Grade R diploma holders that they are not being employed even though they are qualified.

MEC Motsumi says there is a difference between a Grade R teacher and a Grade R practitioner. Motsumi encourages Grade R diploma holders to study further to meet the requirements needed to qualify them as Grade R teachers.

”We are not phasing out the Grade R diploma however, the Grade R diploma alone does not fully qualify teachers as it does not meet the necessary requirements. Additional qualifications are needed on top of the Grade R diploma. We have consulted with various unions who will communicate this to their members. The reality is that we must resolve this issue and ensure that Grade R teachers are fully qualified.

As the Department of Education we are committed to assisting them in this process.”