WCED confirms 260 schools operate without principals

CAPE TOWN - The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has confirmed that 260 schools in the province operate without a principal.

The department, however, says temporary measures like appointing acting principals are in place.

The South African Democratic Teachers Unions (SADTU) accused the department of using regular teachers as acting principals for over two years, creating staff shortages.

According to the teacher's union, the provincial education department is deliberately reducing teachers as a cost containment measure.

WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond said teacher appointments are out of their hands.

"The advertising and nomination for a principal and any teacher position is the responsibility of the School Governing Body. The department provides for an online advert system as part of the E-recruitment system."

However, SADTU's provincial secretary Sibongile Kwazi said the department had started to suspend contracts for substitute teachers.

"As we know, the Western Cape has been plugged with unplaced learners and overcrowded classrooms. This will mean that this will have a very negative impact on those schools who cannot afford to employ more teachers."