The Portfolio Committee on Basic Education today indicated that it will carefully monitor the finalisation of all the investigations mentioned in the Ministerial Task Team (MTT) report on the alleged selling of educator posts by some teacher unions and provincial education officials.

The Committee received a briefing from the Department of Basic Education on the final report but indicated that 22 more matters were still being investigated. It said these investigations are likely to be finalised in August 2016. A total of 16 investigations, where wrongdoing has been found, have already been finalised and handed over to the relevant authorities for further action like criminal cases and/or disciplinary cases.

Committee Chairperson, Ms Nomalungelo Gina, said in light of the 22 outstanding matters, it is important that the Committee track these matters and receive another briefing at the finalisation of these matters. The Committee will at a later stage also interact with all the relevant stakeholders implicated in the report, including teacher unions and School Governing Bodies (SGBs).

Ms Gina said: ╲It is important that we have a meeting with all the stakeholders on how we correct the mistakes that occurred and see how we enhance the system in an effort to realise quality public education for all our learners.╡

The Committee heard that six provinces were investigated with the initial indications pointing to most of the wrongdoings in North West, followed by KwaZulu-Natal. The MTT report states that of the about 120 matters that were brought to its attention, several of the allegations were unfounded, based on rumour, malice or hearsay. In the end 81 cases were investigated.

The Committee also heard requests for the amendment of legislation in terms of SGBs, the South African Schools Act and the Employment of Educators Act in relation to the recommendations for the appointment of staff at certain levels. The MTT indicated that weak management in provincial education departments seemed to be at the heart of the problem.

Ms Gina said some of the recommendations made, need immediate tightening up. ╲Stakeholders must see action and we need to see those found guilty of wrongdoing, punished. We know the importance of education and how critical it is to the development of our country. We have a common agenda â•œ to ensure quality public education â•œ together we can uproot whatever bad elements there are in the system,╡ she said.

Issued by Parliamentary Communication Services on behalf of the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education, Ms Nomalungelo Gina