World Teachers' Day: SADTU calls for enhanced support as educators under strain
The union calls for more support for teachers
Image: Independent Newspapers Archives
On World Teachers' Day on Sunday, the South African Democratic Teachers' Union has called on the government to provide more psychosocial support for teachers.
The union highlighted the pressing needs of educators as the country celebrated World Teachers' Day on Sunday. It outlined several recommendations to improve working conditions for teachers.
“As we celebrate this day and honour teachers, we note with concern a recent study by Stellenbosch University, which found that half of South Africa’s teachers are contemplating abandoning the profession because of the unbearable conditions under which they work,” the union stated.
The union urged the government to ensure adequate funding for school infrastructure and to employ more teachers to eliminate overcrowded classrooms. It also called for employers to provide psychosocial support to protect teachers’ mental wellbeing. Furthermore, the union emphasised the importance of parents, communities, and learners in creating safe and conducive environments for teachers to perform their duties.
Additionally, the union stated that there is a need for thorough engagement with institutions of higher learning regarding the development of teachers and the type of educators needed from these institutions.
“When all stakeholders collaborate to support teachers, teaching and learning will thrive, ensuring a brighter future for our nation. We call for this unity because the future depends on educated learners, and teachers are the key drivers of education,” the union added.
“We also urge teachers to uphold the dignity of this noble profession by conducting themselves in a manner that commands respect. Despite the challenges, we call on them to continue being in class, on time, prepared, teaching, respecting the dignity of all learners, and refraining from having sexual relations with learners,” the statement concluded.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) said in a statement on Sunday that a new fact sheet by UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) & Teacher Task Force, estimates that only 14% of low-income countries have policies mandating continuing professional development for primary school teachers.
“The trend is declining, with the share of trained primary teachers in sub-Saharan Africa dropping from 85% to 69%, and trained secondary teachers from 79% to 59%, between 2000 and 2024. This lack of support for teachers undermines educational quality and equity, contributing to more teachers leaving the profession,” UNESCO said.