Phumla Mkunyana has been working as a Grade R teacher since 1998. It’s an important job that strengthens the foundations of children’s academic futures. In 24 years, she has never held a permanent position, always being bounced from one short-term contract to the next.
Last year, Mkunyana had to take sick leave for a medical procedure. When she exceeded her leave days, the principal of the school at which she worked refused to pay her. “I needed my job back. I just kept on apologising,” she said. “I know my rights, but I didn’t have anyone to fight for my rights.” Grade R teachers gathered in Hanover Street, Cape Town, to march to the Western Cape Provincial Parliament on 9 August 2022. Among their demands are permanent employment and benefits.
“If the principal doesn’t want to renew the contract, you don’t have back-up on that, because the Department of Education will be saying, ‘We cannot stand on your behalf. You are employed by the principal or the SGB’.”