The challenges of implementing employment equity at former Model C schools in the Province of Kwazulu-Natal

Abstract

This study investigated the implementation of employment equity at former Model C schools in the Province of KwaZulu-Natal. The newspapers had previously reported that the former Model C schools still lagged behind in the employment of black teachers as about 75% of teachers were white. This study had relevance in the post-apartheid era because this situation is contrary to the transformative legislation of post- apartheid South Africa. The Employment Equity Act requires that Employers who employ 50 or more employees must draft and implement an Employment Equity Plan and apply affirmative action measures to redress the imbalances of the past. The study specifically investigated the role of the SGBs of former Model C schools and the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education in implementing the Employment Equity Plan and the Affirmative Action Policy of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education. The study employed a mixed methods research design and made use of quantitative data to confirm qualitative data. The research participants were selected on the basis of purposive sampling to ensure that they were information-rich and informative about the topic. The study found that the school governing bodies were not trained to implement both the Employment Equity Plan and the Affirmative Action Policy of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education. These crucial documents were not available when the SGBs were being trained to conduct shortlisting and interviews and were not implemented during shortlisting and interviews. The study found that the School Governing Bodies of former Model C schools want to recommend the best or competent educators, however in most cases their intention to recommend competent educators results in the employment of white educators. This study attributes this, inter alia, to the non-implementation of the Employment Equity Plans and the Affirmative Action Policy by the School Governing Bodies . The managers at circuit and district levels have not been assigned the roles to play in monitoring the implementation of employment equity by SGBs in terms of the legislative and policy framework.