A number of public schools are expected to protest this week, after contracted educators at several schools had to be let go.
This follows the implementation of a circular by the Western Cape Education Department.
A protest took place at Steenberg High School on Friday after the school lost four onnies.
In a statement by Steenberg High School staff last Wednesday, they called the effects of the circular “nothing short of disastrous”.
The statement reads: “The quality of education provided to our learners is now under serious threat. The Western Cape Education Department has provided schools with no solutions to the problems they have created with the implementation of this circular.”
A protesting educator said the circular also states that no substitute posts will be made available for teachers who are on extended sick leave.
The teacher says: “This is meant to be a cost-cutting mechanism. The only substitute posts that will be filled, will be for teachers on maternity leave and educators who are on extended incapacity leave. This circular harshly affects all poor/working class and no-fee schools where the schools do not have the finances to take on School Governing Body teachers.”
The educator said the WCED should reinstate all contract educators and retract the circular.
Planned protests for today at both Steenberg High and Rocklands High have been postponed due to bad weather.
Glendale Secondary School will be picketing outside the school Tuesday, which was organized by the student body, following the loss of six teachers.
In a notice regarding the picket, Representative Council of Learners chairperson Patience Tshuma called the decision “unfair” and said it would have a particularly disastrous effect on learners, especially those in Grades 11 and 12 at the school.
“The students have planned this event in support of their teachers, and if parents and other members of the community would like to support the students and their teachers, they are welcome to attend the picket.
“The students at our school are committed to making their voices heard, and we appreciate your support in helping them to do so.”
The WCED said the twisting of facts about the cost containment measures implemented as a result of massive budget cuts by the national government in the Western Cape, is causing the panic and confusion.
WCED spokesperson, Bronagh Hammond, said the department was not terminating contract posts.