Free State responds to claims of unqualified teachers at deaf schools

The Free State Department of Education says there is no difference between the curriculum taught at special needs schools and mainstream schools, and that teachers undergo annual training. This comes in response to allegations by the Free State Deaf Association that some educators at schools for the deaf in the province are unqualified. 

Director of the Special Needs Programme, Bukelwa Qwelane, acknowledges the concerns and confirms that an investigation had been conducted, both in the Free State and nationally.  

“There was an audit that was done, not only in the two schools in Free State but in all the 21 schools in the country,” said Qwelane. “And yes, we found out that there were teachers who were not fully qualified in sign language. So, we started as early as 2011 to ensure that teachers from Bartimea and Thiboloha Schools for the Deaf & Blind go through the sign language training.” 

Qwelane adds that the department remains committed to improving inclusive education and ensuring all learners, regardless of ability, receive quality instruction.