Principals’ role in addressing unexcused teacher absenteeism in adult learning centres in the Johannesburg South district

Abstract

This study was carried out with the aim of exploring the principals’ role in managing unexcused teacher absenteeism in Adult Community Education and Training (ACET) centres. In order to achieve this, the study investigated the causes of unexcused teacher absenteeism as well as the impact it has on learners, teachers, and the functioning of the ACET Centres. A literature review was carried out in order to understand the position of policy and academic literature on this topic. The study employed an explorative research design and a qualitative research approach. Semi-structured interviews were used to obtain primary data from twenty-five teachers and five principals selected from five ACET centres. Observations and document reviews were also carried out at the centres. The data was analysed using qualitative content analysis in order to derive themes which formed the basis of a discussion on the objectives. The educators and principals highlighted sickness, family emergencies and bereavement as the main causes of unexcused absenteeism. The study also showed evidence of gaps in the principals’ and educators’ knowledge of the Leave Policy for Educators, leading to inadequate planning, communication and management. Further evidence suggested that some educators abuse the provisions of the Leave Policy in order to attend to personal business. The study recommends that in order to combat the challenge of unexcused teacher absenteeism, ACET centres be sufficiently resourced in order to ease the burden on the educators. Furthermore, the department should provide leadership training to equip principals to effectively manage their relationships with educators, create a supportive professional environment for educators, as well as to administer and monitor leave and absenteeism. In addition, the Department should equip educators to understand the Leave Policy for Educators. ACET principals should also take responsibility through providing workshops aimed at educating their staff on the Leave Policy.