The majority of South Africa’s teachers are dedicated professionals who give of their best at all times and serve the needs of their pupils, acting basic education director-general Bobby Soobrayan said on Thursday.

Reacting to media reports – following a presentation to a parliamentary portfolio committee on Wednesday, at which he tabled a document stating “too many teachers cannot pass tests that their own learners are expected to pass” – Soobrayan said he wanted to clarify what he had told MPs.

At no point in the briefing had he blamed all teachers for the challenges facing basic education.

“[I] did acknowledge that there were some teachers in the system who may not be displaying the requisite competence and do not show commitment to quality teaching, but [wish] to emphasise that the majority of South Africa’s teachers are dedicated professionals who give of their best at all times and who serve the needs of learners, their schools and indeed the country, with pride and commitment.”

Soobrayan criticised “some of the media reports” on his presentation, saying “reckless and distorted reporting” served only to demoralise teachers.

“Reporting of this nature is not in the best interests of improving the education system as a whole,” he said.

At Wednesday’s committee meeting, Soobrayan tabled a briefing document listing, among other things, “key interventions and activities” designed to achieve outputs and targets identified by his department.

These included ensuring “all teachers have required capability, commitment and practice”.

The document states that in this regard there are “serious problems related to commitment and practice”, despite “significant investment” in teacher development.

During the presentation, Soobrayan warned of a crisis in basic education, which covers the period from Grade R to matric.

Sapa

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