DA calls for MEC to intervene in unpaid teacher assistants’ issue

SEKHUKHUNE

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Limpopo has called on the Education MEC, Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya, to intervene in the non-payment of teacher assistants in the province.

The DA said it has received complaints from teacher assistants, who claim they have not been paid their salaries for the previous month.

According to Jacques Smalle, DA Limpopo Spokesperson on Education, the non-payment of teacher assistants is unacceptable and betrays the spirit of an initiative meant to create job opportunities for youth interested in education.

“Teacher assistants play a vital role in supporting teaching and learning, and it is essential that the department supports them in their work,” Smalle said.

Smalle revealed that the province has over 10 000 teacher assistants, and it is unclear how many have gone unpaid or the reasons for the non-payment.

“The DA has demanded that the MEC urgently investigate the matter and ensure that all unpaid teacher assistants have their issues resolved. We will continue to monitor the progress regarding this issue until it is resolved,” Smalle added.

He emphasized that the party values the role and efforts of teacher assistants in supporting teaching and creating a conducive learning environment.

At the time of going to press, the Limpopo Department of Education could not respond to enquiries sent by the publication.