This, after the Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) presented before the committee, indicated that issues regarding the lack of safety at schools, gender disparities between teachers and principals, and the little pay received by teachers are becoming great concerns. The survey conducted internationally, with South Africa being the only African participant, has indicated that 60% of South African teachers are female whilst only 22% of principals are females. Coupled with little payment, this is said to be another contributing factor to low morale amongst educators. The picture seems to be more gloomy in the Northern Cape where only 5% of principals are females as compared to other parts of the country.

It is indicated that more needs to be done to support the work of teachers and ensure that the gender gap between teachers and principals is closed.

The report has also revealed that South African teachers spent 66% of their time on actual teaching and learning, 17% on keeping order in the classroom and 16% on administrative tasks, which is something the Committee said also needs to be looked at.

The Department has meanwhile confirmed that the survey showed a need for South Africa to support a dynamic workforce and reinforcing accessibility to teacher education and training.

The department’s Chief Education Specialist, Mark Chetty, told the Committee that “TALIS is the first and largest international survey involving 260 000 teachers with a major focus on the learning environment and the working conditions of teachers in schools”.

He said it is meant to help the department understand factors hampering quality teaching and outcomes. They aim to use the survey as a mirror to aid in policymaking.

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