Teachers urge GDE to prioritise local teachers
The March and March movement shifts focus to the education sector based on allegations that Midrand High has hired about 22 teachers who are foreign nationals using fraudulent documents., leaving the GDE with no choice but to conduct investigations.
Members of the March and March movement gathered outside Midrand High School to demand action over what they alleged are irregularities in the school’s recruitment practices.
Region A coordinator and convener Thabiso Gerald Mehlape, who led the march, called on the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) to investigate claims that foreign nationals were employed at the school using fraudulent documentation.
Mehlape told GDE officials sent to receive the memorandum that he could substantiate his allegations if given the opportunity. He said the latest march was a follow–up demonstration and vowed to continue protesting until the department formally addressed the concerns.
The organisation noted that a first memorandum had been submitted on March 19 but, according to them, was ignored. In addition to handing over a memorandum, the group attempted to submit curriculum vitae (CVs) of unemployed teachers to GDE officials.
However, officials declined to accept the documents, explaining that they had only been mandated to receive the memorandum. Bongani Sibisi, representing the office of MEC Lebogang Maile, said accepting CVs would create unrealistic expectations for the unemployed teachers.
Also read: March and March Movement to march to Midrand High over foreign teacher employment claims
One of the protesters, qualified teacher Thembelihle Gwala, said she had been unemployed since 2018 despite continuously applying for teaching posts.
“This matter requires urgent intervention because I’ve been applying at this school for years without success, and I believe more schools should be investigated because I don’t think this is limited to Midrand High School,” said Gwala.
To conclude the march, GDE officials said the allegations would be investigated and that a response to both memorandums submitted by the movement would be provided before August 14.
The Midrand Reporter contacted GDE spokesperson Onwabile Lubhelwana regarding the allegations on July 30, and followed up on July 31 and August 3.
The department said it is still working on the response and will provide an update once available.
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