THE Department of Basic Education plans to introduce performance agreements for principals and deputy principals soon

The contract is aimed at improving learner performance, with the officials held accountable for enhancing such performance.

Earlier this year Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga said performance would be measured against academic performance of schools and be linked to performance in the Annual National Assessments and National Senior Certificate exams.

But teacher unions are unhappy that the Western Cape department of education wants to roll out the programme in January 2012.

Basic education spokesperson Panyaza Lesufi said: "We are in the final stage of consultation with unions and other stakeholders.

"We are aware that a school stands and falls by the calibre of its principal. We want the principal and deputy to have a legal performance contract with their employer."

Ezra Ramasehla of the National Professional Teachers Organisation of South Africa said: "We are not sure it is a good idea to subject professional teachers to contracts like those in the private sector."

The SA Democratic Teachers Union in Western Cape is also unhappy about the change in policy.