News24 reports that the Department of Basic Education (DBE) has paid nearly R1 million for 9,900 student teachers to undergo vetting against the National Register of Sex Offenders (NRSO).
This comes after the department’s shocking revelation in April that only 78,509 of the 405,738 teachers at public schools had been vetted. Lukhanyo Vangqa, spokesperson for DBE Minister Siviwe Gwarube, confirmed that the department had funded the vetting costs for student teachers who were recipients of the Funza Lushaka bursary, a government bursary scheme for those studying teaching. The NRSO, maintained by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, lists people prevented from being employed or placed in positions of authority, supervision, or care over vulnerable persons, including children.
DBE director-general Mathanzima Mweli said: “The department would like to emphasise the importance of the NRSO and the necessity of vetting for student teachers enrolled in initial teacher education programmes.” Student teachers studying teaching at universities spend months doing their practicals at schools. “It is imperative that student teachers understand the significance of compliance with this requirement as non-compliance may lead to legal penalties and could jeopardise their ability to qualify for future teaching positions.” Mweli pointed out.
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Prega Govender at News24 (subscription / trial registration required)
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