This follows the launch of a revised National Education and Training Sector Policy which took place at the Happy Valley Hotel yesterday.
The policy stipulates that in order to improve efficiency, effectiveness and support for teachers, a review of terms and conditions of service including salary structures, procedures for appointments, deployments, transfers, promotions, disciplinary actions, preparation for retirements and transfers would be undertaken by the Ministry of Education and Training in conjunctions with stakeholders.
Detailing the process of the policy review, it was highlighted that the stakeholders who were engaged, recommended that additional emphasis should be put on various areas, among which was the TSC.
“Stakeholders raised issues concerning recruitment of teachers and appointments, retentions, deployments, transfers, appraisals, promotions and disciplinary procedures. The role of the TSC was raised in this context,” reads part of the policy.
It stated that given the undoubted value of teachers in the entire education and training system, the policy found it prudent to include a review of issues like teachers’ salary structures, in conjunction with the TSC Secretariat, the introduction of a performance management system in conjunction with the Ministry of Public Service and annual school self-evaluations.
Some of the objectives of the TSC which the policy aims to ensure include treating teachers with respect and ensure confidentiality, fill vacancies appropriately and promptly, ensuring that promotions were based on fair and regular appraisals, improve gender equity in schools and empower computerise teaching service records and administrative positions.
It was also stated that the stakeholders reported unclear mandates and accountabilities of respective governance entities and their institutional relationships, including functions.
“Complaints in cases of perceived underperformance were often deemed to be unknown. This included the functioning of the TSC and school committees. Therefore, an education sector organogram needs to be revised to facilitate the smooth implementation of this policy,” it was highlighted.
Other objectives of the policy regarding the TSC include revising the Teaching Service Act of 1982 and its regulations of 1983, including harmonisation of legislation with the Constitution of Eswatini and other existing laws.
Autonomy
The policy also aims to facilitate operationalisation of the autonomy of the TSC, as provided for by the Constitution.
Furthermore, it also aims to develop performance indicators and conduct quarterly reviews of its performance. It should be noted that the policy was first introduced in the country in 2011 and was expected to be reviewed after five years.
It was, however, highlighted in the newly launched revised version that many stakeholders reported a lack of stakeholder engagement in both the preparation of the 2011 policy and its implementation.
It was lamented that for many participants in the consultative process, it was the first time the policy was introduced and discussed.