THE Western Cape education department will spend R321million to permanently appoint 500 qualified Grade R teachers next year.
The offer will apply to teachers who are already employed at a school in a subsidised position and will come with benefits that will kick in on January 1, 2023.
The department said the appointments will cost approximately R321million over a three-year cycle.
MEC for education, David Maynier said the appointments were among steps taken to improve the foundation phase outcomes.
“This is part of our commitment to expanding access to Grade R and boosting early learning in the Western Cape.
“This is a major step forward and reflects the importance of Grade R as part of the foundation phase, which has been identified as a priority by our department.
“We are also in the process of exploring a qualification pathway that would allow under qualified Grade R practitioners to obtain the required qualifications for appointment,” said Maynier.
Maynier described teachers as the department’s most valuable assets.
“Early learning makes all the difference to a child’s later school grades, and we must make sure the basics are in place during this phase if we want to see improved results later on.
“This move demonstrates our firm commitment to strengthening early learning in our province, and to supporting our teachers who play such a pivotal role in our children’s lives,” he concluded.
A detailed circular was sent to schools on September 27 outlining the requirements and process to be followed for the appointments.
Candidates are required to submit all relevant documentation, including a teaching qualification, by October 14 for vetting processes.
The DA’s spokesperson for education in the provincial legislature, Deidré Baartman welcomed the move as a step in building the proper foundation for pupils in the province.