The DA in Limpopo has written to Education MEC, Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya, to determine the total cost to the department, the implication of the R17 million award against the department by the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC) on the budget and programmes in the current financial year and why the department was not represented at the hearing.
This follows the ELRC order that 270 Limpopo educators were subjected to unfair labour practices when their rural incentive benefits were withdrawn and the department must pay a total of R17.642 million on or before 31 July 2024. This amounts to 65 342.20 per educator for rural incentive benefits from 30 April 2022 to 31 July 2024. The department was absent and was not represented at the hearing.
This incentive is aimed at attracting well qualified educators to apply for posts in rural schools and to improve the quality of teaching and learner outcomes in these areas.
The Limpopo Education Department receives 48% of the provincial budget and the Compensation of Employees accounts for 76.5% (R30.641 billion) of the total Departmental budget and this leaves limited resources for the other programmes of the department. The arbitration ruling will have an effect on the planning and budget processes of the department going forward.
The DA will continue to monitor progress with regard to this issue. We are committed to ensuring quality education and a bright future for learners.