Mitchells Plain parents protest as Grade 7 class suffers from teacher absence
A group of parents picketed outside the Mitchells Plain school on April 15, saying their children in Grade 7A have been without a permanent teacher since the start of the academic year in January, severely disrupting learning.
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"Our children are falling behind and losing motivation," said concerned parent Cecilia Masocha, as frustration mounts over the prolonged absence of a Grade 7 teacher at Ridgeville Primary School, in Mitchells Plain.
A group of parents picketed outside the school on April 15, saying their children in Grade 7A have been without a permanent teacher since the start of the academic year in January, severely disrupting learning.
"Parents took to protest because our children have been without a permanent teacher for an extended period, dating back to term 1," Masocha said.
"Despite raising this issue with the school and the Department of Education, there has been no lasting solution. Our children’s education is being neglected, and we felt we had no other option but to take action."
Parents had planned to continue their protest the following day, but it did not proceed. However, they say their concerns remain unresolved and anxiety levels are high.
Masocha described how the absence of a consistent teacher has created instability in the classroom.
"Learners are often left without proper supervision or structured learning. In some cases, they are placed in different classes temporarily, and at other times they are left sitting without meaningful instruction," she said.
"This inconsistency is affecting discipline, learning continuity, and overall academic development."
The impact on pupils, particularly those preparing to transition to high school, has been significant.
"The impact has been severe. Learners are falling behind in their curriculum, especially in key subjects," she said.
"As Grade 7 learners preparing for high school, this gap places them at a serious disadvantage. Some children are becoming demotivated."
Parents express their biggest concern about the long-term effects on their children’s futures.
"We are worried that they are being denied their basic right to quality education," Masocha said.
"If this situation continues, it will have long-term consequences on their academic performance and confidence."
They are calling for urgent intervention from the Western Cape Education Department (WCED).
"Parents want immediate and decisive action. We need the Department of Education to urgently appoint a qualified teacher, whether permanently or temporarily, to ensure learning resumes without further disruption," she said.
In response, the WCED confirmed it is aware of ongoing educator absenteeism at the school, which has affected multiple classes.
"The repeated absence of a few educators has resulted in three classes not having a permanent ‘home’ educator for periods of time," the department said.
The department said the school has implemented contingency measures, including reallocating staff internally and appointing a teacher assistant through the School Governing Body.
"While these measures have helped to ensure teaching and learning continues, they are not ideal and place strain on the educators who are present," the WCED said.
According to the department, the absent teachers have submitted sick leave documentation, which must be managed in line with prescribed processes.
"Where leave is submitted in short, consecutive periods, it can delay the ability to appoint a substitute educator, as substitute appointments are governed by specific qualifying requirements," it said.
The WCED added that district officials have engaged with the school’s management and that its labour relations unit is handling the matter.
"It is important to clarify that there are no educator vacancies at the school and it has a full staff establishment in place. The primary challenge is the impact of ongoing absenteeism," the department said.
However, the WCED did not respond to specific questions regarding the budget available for substitute or additional teachers.
Parents say until a permanent solution is implemented, their children will continue to pay the price.