CEO'S MESSAGE

Chief Executive Officer

The SACE train continued on its teacher professionalism journey for the year ending 31 March 2010. It was not a smooth ride as SACE was delayed by a few challenges and unscheduled stops. Thanks to the goodwill, support and guidance received from Teacher Unions, Education Departments, The Ministry for Basic Education, the Portfolio Committee on Education and other Stakeholders, SACE is back on track.

In the previous year, the erstwhile Council decided to buy a building in Visagie Street that was to become a home for SACE. It spent approximately R12m, motivated by locality, accessibility and expanse of stand. It also forecast approximately R40m on renovations and refurbishment costs. Consequently a decision was taken to propose to the Minister a special levy increase from R6 per month per educator to R20 for a period of twelve months, to cover envisaged costs.

Once this decision became known, concern was expressed across the board. The Ministry, Portfolio Committee, Teacher Unions and Teachers felt that the increase was excessive and the improvement costs too high.

A series of consultations with all stakeholders, resulted in the new Council (appointed in July last year, led by Mr.  M Maphila) rescinding the decision in March 2010. The new Council mandated a special task team, headed by the Finance Committee to investigate research and analyse all other viable alternatives, and make proposals to a special Council.  The task team was also mandated to make recommendations regarding a levy increase, in light of its findings. The Special Council Meeting, held in June 2010 decided to increase SACE levies from R6 per month per educator to R10 with effect from 1 July 2010, subject to a special strategic planning session scheduled for August 2010 with stakeholders.

The Council and stakeholders appreciate the difficulties SACE encounters in its present location arrangements and will pronounce on this matter at the session. A challenge, therefore, turned into an opportunity for SACE to forge ahead in a renewed inclusive paradigm.

SACE’s financial woes were compounded, advertently, by the Department of Basic Education (DBE). The Council expected approximately R7m from the Department for Continuing Professional Teacher Development (CPTD) infrastructure as planned by the DBE-SACE task team. For a range of factors, beyond the control of the Department, SACE was able to secure only R1, 5m (approx). This resulted in SACE encountering serious cash flow problems and infringing financial prescripts, in order to survive. Fortunately the Department and the Stakeholders have an understanding of SACE’S predicament and have resolved to ensure that SACE is adequately resourced to proceed on its CPTD mandate unhindered.

Notwithstanding the above, SACE continued delivering on its mandates at a satisfactory level. The SACE call –centre is fully operational and is being enhanced to incorporate a “teacher, assistant facility “or “help desk.”

In terms of its prime mandate Council registered 28723 educators bringing the total on the register to 560 000 (approx). Validation, updating, and differentiation of register are planned for coming year as the new registration system is now fully functional.

In terms of its chief responsibility regarding the professional development of teachers, Council has, together with the Department, set up the Continuing Professional Teacher Development System (CPTD-S). The system is being piloted and advocated for refinements. In line with the “New National Integrated Plan for teacher Development,” SACE is ready to play its part. SACE has (come a long) way to ensure that the teacher’s badge for professionalism is the Professional Development Portfolio.

As custodian of Professional Ethics, SACE processed 413 complaints received in the period under review. 85 hearings resulted in 14 educators being struck of the roll. In all 339 cases, including mediation, Counseling and referrals, were concluded. SACE is engaging in more pro-active ethics empowerment initiatives to reduce beach incidents.