Only 2000 of 7000 unqualified SA Grade R teachers eligible for qualification upgrades

The Department of Basic Education has revealed that 7294 unqualified Grade R practitioners are currently employed in public schools across the country, and only 2121 are eligible for qualification upgrades.

These practitioners do not possess the minimum National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 6 qualification required to teach at this level. 

The figures were presented to the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education yesterday during a briefing on the status of regulations to the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act as they relate to Grade R admissions. 

The briefing also included updates on Sections 4 and 5 of the Children’s Amendment Bill of 2025.

In August, Basic Education Minister, Siviwe Gwarube, gazetted the first two sets of regulations under the BELA Act, 2024, for public comment.

Chief Director for the department of Basic Education, Enoch Rabotapi provided an update on the upgrading of qualifications for Grade R practitioners, emphasising that the BELA Act formally incorporates Grade R into basic education.

This means Grade R teachers must now hold qualifications equivalent to those of other educators.

“This process is meant to ensure that those already in the system but lacking the entry-level qualifications are supported to achieve them,” Rabotapi said.

He explained that the department first consulted with labour unions through the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC), leading to the adoption of Collective Agreement 2 of 2025. 

The agreement outlines measures for upgrading the qualifications of practitioners currently employed in schools.

He said the department has partnered with UNISA to facilitate the upgrading programme. UNISA was chosen for its distance-learning model, which allows practitioners to work while studying, and for its affordability.

Rabotapi said the ETDP SETA has also committed R66 million for the upgrading process during the current financial year.

Provincial education departments have been instructed to include the upgrading of Grade R practitioners in their annual performance plans. 

Only then can ETDP SETA channel provincial allocations towards the further study of eligible practitioners.

Rabotapi said all eligible practitioners must apply to UNISA for the Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase, as the university has discontinued the Grade R diploma. 

The diploma, previously intended for upgrading purposes, has now lapsed following guidance from the departments of Basic Education and Higher Education.

“Those who do not meet the entry requirements for the BEd Foundation Phase will be redirected into a one-year Higher Certificate in Education. Upon completion, they may enrol in the BEd programme, provided they have a matric qualification,” he said.

He said because UNISA’s standard application period had already closed, the department negotiated a special window for Grade R practitioners. 

Applications were initially accepted from October 1 to 10, and the deadline has now been extended to December 19, 2025.

Rabotapi said that many practitioners are currently employed on stipends because they are not fully qualified educators. 

Those who have already obtained a Grade R diploma meet the minimum requirement and may be absorbed into vacant posts as they arise.

He said the department has also worked with provinces to categorise practitioners according to eligibility.

“Exclusions include individuals over 60, who would be unable to render sufficient service after qualifying, and those without a matric, who cannot enrol at a university.”

He said following verification, 2,121 practitioners have been confirmed as eligible for upgrades. 

According to him, UNISA has established a dedicated application process, and provinces have been tasked with ensuring all eligible practitioners submit applications.

“We are concerned about the slow application rate,” Rabotapi said.

“We welcome UNISA’s extension and are contacting practitioners directly to encourage them to apply. We are receiving a positive response as we continue monitoring the process.”

Cape Times