An analysis of selection processes for the appointment of educators in the Gauteng East district

Abstract

This research focuses on the analysis of the selection process for the appointment of educators in selected schools in Gauteng East District. The selection process includes advertising the post, shortlisting, interviews, ratification, as well as recommendation and appointment by the HoD. This study confines itself to how the selection processes and procedure for the appointment of educators are followed by the school governing body. The research is also concerned with the ability of the governing body to manage the impact of the selection process. It is essential for them to have the necessary skills and knowledge to manage the selection process. The legislative principles in terms of the selection process were also investigated. The study focuses on the selection process for the appointment of educators in four township schools, namely two primary and two secondary schools. The researcher used a qualitative approach to gather the information for the research. Semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions were conducted. Interviews were conducted with four principals and four chairpersons of school governing bodies. Findings of this research emanating both from a literature review and interviews reveal the importance of following the proper selection processes, procedures and the legal principles when appointing educators. The study also reveals the inadequate training of some school governing bodies to carry out the process. The type of training provided by the Department of Education has a negative impact on the outcomes of the selection process. This study also reveals that the legal requirements of the selection process are not considered during the selection process. The recommendations made are based on the findings of this research. The focus is on the importance of intensive training of school governing bodies to enable them to handle the selection process properly. These bodies have to deal properly with external influences that tend to have an undue influence on the outcome of the selection process. Objectivity has to prevail throughout the process. It is therefore imperative to empower school governing bodies in this regard. Copyright