Teaching posts not for sale – Steenkamp

Education Minister Sanet Steenkamp has issued a stern warning against the alleged selling of teaching posts, declaring zero tolerance for corruption in educator recruitment.

Addressing regional education officials during a meeting in the Kunene region last Thursday, Steenkamp said the practice undermines the integrity of the education system by denying deserving teachers the opportunity to secure employment on merit.

She said the ministry would not tolerate the sale of teaching or other public service posts, describing the practice as corruption, bribery and fraud.

“Whether it is for teachers, whether it is for cleaners, hospital matrons, esteemed principals, I do not want to hear that,” she said.

“If the selling of posts is happening, the selling of posts for money and benefiting with money that you have not earned, it's corruption, it's bribery, it's fraud, and it's a major, major offence," she said. "Zero tolerance," the minister added.

Steenkamp said the consequences of selling teaching posts extend beyond financial gain, as it deprives qualified and hard-working educators of opportunities to build careers and contribute to the country's education system.

“When you sell a position, you deprive a sincere and hard-working, job-seeking teacher who can make a livelihood by working hard, as the majority of them do. You deny that teacher the opportunity of an illustrious career and an opportunity to make an impact, and you enrich yourself,” she said.

The minister warned that while investigations into corruption allegations may not produce immediate results, those involved should not assume they will escape accountability.

“The Public Service Act is very clear. While it takes us time to investigate it, we will eventually get to the point where we'll find evidence, and then it's over,” she said.

Handle finances responsibly

Steenkamp also turned her attention to the management of school finances, reminding principals that they are entrusted with public funds and are expected to account for every cent received from the ministry.

She said the ministry transfers most operational funding to schools during the first months of the year so they can function effectively, but cautioned against using the money for personal lending or purposes other than those intended.

“If that money has been borrowed to another teacher, if we start opening up a loan scheme with state funding, it's unconstitutional,” she said, questioning how schools would account for public money if it was diverted from its intended purpose.

The minister further urged school leaders to adhere strictly to government financial and procurement regulations, saying principals would continue receiving guidance through the ministry's administrative framework on spending thresholds, invoices and procurement procedures.

She warned that procurement processes must remain transparent and free from personal interests, adding that family members and close friends should never benefit from school procurement decisions.

“Family members and close friends cannot benefit deliberately and intentionally from procurement processes, especially if no procurement processes have been followed,” she said.