1. BACKGROUND
As you are aware, the Employment of Educators Act, 1998 (Act 76 of 1998) makes provision for the appointment of newly qualified educators and temporary educators with a break in service to Post Level 1 posts without having to advertise posts and without the recommendation of the school governing body. Details thereof can be found in Circular 0014/2007 of 16 March 2007.

2. FUNZA LUSHAKA BURSARY HOLDERS
2.1 Since 2007, the national Department of Education has, through the Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme, made a considerable number of bursaries available to persons wishing to qualify as educators. The first group of bursary holders completed their studies at the end of 2007. These bursary holders are, therefore, immediately available for appointment to Post Level 1 posts. It stands to reason that these eligible and qualified educators must be appointed to posts in education as soon as possible so as to further the interests of education and to fulfil the stringent conditions of the bursary.
2.2 The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) would like to appoint these newly qualified educators as soon as possible. They may be appointed permanently without having to wait for the posts to be advertised in the vacancy list, and such appointments will be made in terms of Section 6A of the Employment of Educators Act, 1998 (Act 76 of 1998).

3. BROAD PRINCIPLES GOVERNING THE APPOINTMENT OF EDUCATORS TO POST LEVEL 1 POSTS
Only educators resident in the Western Cape Province will be eligible for appointment as contemplated in Section 6A. Furthermore, all appointments must be made with due regard for the employment equity policy and the curriculum needs of the post. The following criteria for appointment, in order of preference, must be used:
3.1 Funza Lushaka bursary holders and newly qualified educators
3.2 Unemployed and temporary educators and/or educators who have not had the opportunity to pursue an extensive career in education and whose services were not terminated by the employing department as a result of misconduct or abscondence during the previous two years
3.3 Educators who did not resign during the two years prior to the date of appointment applicable to the post for which they are being considered
3.4 Other temporary or unemployed educators who resigned during the previous two years
3.5 Educators who applied for and were granted the Mutually Agreed Severance Package of 2001 or the Severance Package of 2003 and who have not been permanently appointed since that time
3.6 Educators who took the Voluntary Severance Package in terms of ELRC Resolution 3/1996 during 1996, 1997 and 1998

4. PROCEDURE REGARDING THESE APPOINTMENTS
4.1 As regards educators listed under paragraph 3 above, the WCED will
4.1.1 receive nominations from schools and individual applications from educators;
4.1.2 consult with the relevant governing body on the vacant post and its requirements;
4.1.3 ensure that the applicant satisfies the requirements for the post and has the prescribed qualifications; and
4.1.4 process the applications and match them to the available vacant posts
4.2 Please note that preference will be given to the appointment of newly qualified educators above educators with a break in service.

5. RECOMMENDATION OF NOMINATIONS
In terms of Section 6A, all nominations by schools must be recommended by the appropriated circuit team manager before being submitted to Head Office for appointment.

6. GENERAL
6.1 Principals are requested to provide a copy of this circular to the chairpersons of their school governing bodies to ensure that they are aware of this amendment.
6.2 Please bring the contents of this circular to the attention of all staff at your institution, office or directorate, including those currently on leave, and request them to sign and date an acknowledgement of receipt of this document.


SIGNED: CJ FOURIE
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2008:11:06