Inadequate resources, overcrowded classrooms and work overload with little pay are among the challenges still faced by teachers. This is according to the Free State Provincial Secretary of the National Professional Teachers’ Organisation of South Africa (Naptosa), Ramakhera Dikotsi.
Dikotsi says World Teachers Day, which is celebrated annually on the 5th of October, is to commemorate teachers’ role in nation building. He says teachers who do not uphold their work ethic and abuse children do not deserve to celebrate this day.
Dikotsi appeals to the public to report educators who do not adhere to their work ethics. He also appeals to the Department of Basic Education to intervene where necessary. Dikotsi mentions that challenges faced by educators in rural areas need urgent attention.
“The public should rally behind educators, and support educators who are committeed to teaching. Educators who are not committed to their work should be exposed. We are also calling on teachers to wave the flag of teaching very high” said Dikotsi.
This year’s World Teachers Day is celebrated under the theme: “Valuing teachers, improving their status”. Dikotsi urges South Africans to recognise the role educators play in society.
He says educators are faced with a number of challenges of which most prohibit them from giving attention to individual learners.
Katleho Morapela/ Courant news
katleho@centralmediagroup.co.za
