…Minister Owen Nxumalo urges improved salaries and permanent employment
BY MBONO MDLULI
GEGE– Minister of Education and Training Owen Nxumalo has called for improved salaries and permanent employment opportunities for contract teachers, saying it is unfair for educators to remain in temporary positions for many years without career progression.
The minister made the remarks during a farewell ceremony held for four retired teachers at Bethel Lutheran Primary School in Gege Inkhundla.
The retired educators were identified as Ntombi Shabangu, Agnes Hlatshwayo, Guster Malinga and Thabo Hlophe, who were honoured for their years of service and contribution to education in the area.
Speaking during the event, Nxumalo expressed concern over the continued challenges faced by contract teachers within the education sector.
“It is disturbing to see temporary teachers working for more than 10 years without any meaningful improvement in their employment conditions,” the minister said.
Minister urges action on teachers’ welfare
Nxumalo appealed to the Government Negotiating Team to prioritise the welfare of contract teachers and address concerns relating to job security and remuneration.
He said improving the working conditions of educators was essential in strengthening the country’s education system and ensuring quality learning for pupils.
The minister stressed that teachers play a critical role in national development and deserve fair treatment and recognition for their contribution to society.
His remarks come amid ongoing concerns within the education sector regarding the prolonged use of temporary contracts and delays in absorbing teachers into permanent positions.
Retired head teacher reflects on school’s transformation
Former head teacher Ntombi Shabangu thanked colleagues, parents and the wider community for supporting the teachers throughout their years of service at the school.
Shabangu reflected on the difficult conditions under which they initially worked, recalling that learners once used bricks as chairs due to a shortage of furniture and resources.
“When we arrived here, the situation was very difficult, but today the school has improved significantly,” she said.
She credited the progress made at the school to teamwork, commitment and dedication from both teachers and the local community.
MP praises teachers for dedication and sacrifice
Gege Member of Parliament Agrippa Magesi Dlamini also paid tribute to the retiring educators for answering the call to serve the nation through teaching.
The MP acknowledged that the teachers had worked under difficult conditions over the years but still managed to improve the school and positively impact the lives of learners within the community.
Dlamini encouraged the teachers remaining at the school to continue building on the foundation laid by their retiring colleagues.
He further urged the retired educators to continue sharing their knowledge and experience with society even after leaving formal employment.
“You never stop serving people simply because you have retired. It is only death that stops service,” Dlamini said.
Calls grow for education sector reforms
The minister’s remarks have added to growing calls for reforms within the education sector, particularly regarding the welfare and employment conditions of teachers.
Education stakeholders have increasingly argued that improving teachers’ working conditions is essential for maintaining morale, retaining skilled educators and enhancing the quality of education in schools across the country.
The farewell ceremony not only celebrated the contributions of the retiring teachers, but also highlighted broader concerns surrounding the future of contract teachers and the need for long-term solutions within the education sector.
(Courtesy Pic)
