×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

YOUTHS STEER CLEAR of TEACHING, laments mec

CONCERNED: Limpopo MEC for education Namane Masemola. Pic: Moyahabo Mabeba. 29/09/2009. © Sowetan.
CONCERNED: Limpopo MEC for education Namane Masemola. Pic: Moyahabo Mabeba. 29/09/2009. © Sowetan.

THE Limpopo department of education says it is concerned about the lack of interest shown by the youth in the teaching profession.

MEC for education Namane Masemola says despite budgeting enough capital for bursaries for aspiring teachers, young people are not interested in pursuing the profession.

But he said the shortage of teachers with scarce skills was not only confined to Limpopo, but was a national problem.

"Our province is in dire need of teachers with scarce skills.

"The department is exploring various avenues to attract the youth to join the teaching fraternity, especially in the maths, science, commercial and technology fields."

Masemola this week asked the youth to join the teaching profession, and asked: "If you are not taking up the teaching profession, who will teach your children?

"Our province is experiencing a deficiency of teachers who should be taking our crucial mandate of educating the younger generation. There is also a need to make education an attractive profession," added Masemola, who reminisced about teachers of yesteryears who were conspicuous by their neat and formal attire.

When he presented his 2009/10 budget vote in the provincial legislature earlier this year, Masemola said the department would inject more money into bursary schemes to train more teachers.

However, those bursary prospects have not attracted young people to enroll for teaching diplomas and degrees.

Masemola said he was aware that unlike in the past, when teachers were seen as role models in black communities, today's youth were spoilt for choice on theprofessional careers they could pursue.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.