The department of basic education wants teachers applying for senior posts to write competency tests before being granted promotions, The Star reported on Tuesday. The department confirmed this in a parliamentary reply on Monday.

“The planned competency tests for promotional purposes will ensure that we get appropriately qualified, skilled individuals with suitable management and leadership which are important for curriculum implementation, and are a key focus of the department,” department spokesman Elijah Mhlanga was quoted as saying.

The tests would form part of several initiatives being implemented to improve the quality of school management, Mhlanga said. The tests, which would be given to aspiring principals, deputy principals and heads of department, were expected to become national law in the first quarter of next year, the paper reported.

The department was yet to consult the Education Labour Relations Council where any proposed changes to the requirements for teachers to be promoted would be put to teachers’ unions. Some large teachers unions told The Star the department was yet to consult them about the tests, but they welcomed the move.  SAPA