Schools body supports teacher probe

The Federation of Governing Bodies of SA Schools (Fedsas) on Thursday lent its support to the ministerial investigation into alleged corruption in teacher appointments.

The investigation will look into claims that SA Democratic Teachers' Union (Sadtu) members offered education positions in exchange for money and even sex.

Fedsas deputy CEO Jaco Deacon said the basic education department met school governing bodies to discuss the issue on Tuesday.

"Fedsas supports the minister's decision, but requested her to broaden the investigation to include all appointments on all levels of education," said Deacon.

Fedsas was encouraged by the decision that unions would not be part of the initial investigation task team.

The task team would consist of senior officials from the ministries of basic education, justice, and public service and administration, as well as independent auditors.

Deacon said Fedsas was satisfied that the task team's investigation would be objective.

"Fedsas has never received direct complaints regarding this matter from its members. However, we have had to contest seven education appointments in court in order to ensure that the right person was appointed."

Deacon said a list of the court cases would be made available to the investigators. - Sapa