ActionSA is deeply concerned by the alarming failure of the Free State Department of Education, under the leadership of MEC for Education, Dr. Mantlhake Maboya, and the head of the Department of Education, Advocate Tsoarelo Malakoane, in addressing the non-payment of medical aid funds. This gross neglect not only endangers the health and well-being of educators but also exacerbates the already immense pressures that teachers face in their vital roles.
The Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS) has not received payments from the Department of Education, leaving teachers uncertain about their medical coverage. This situation is a direct result of the Department’s gross mismanagement and inaction, further compounding the challenges teachers already face due to the erosion of their rights, including alarming increases in physical abuse from learners.
As if the immense stress of teaching were not enough, teachers are now receiving distressing messages from GEMS. One teacher shared with us an SMS stating:
“GEMS: Your February contribution is outstanding by R10,705.00 due to non-payment by your employer. For info, please contact your HR or Finance dept.”
This is unacceptable. Teachers are being let down by the very system meant to protect their health and welfare. It is an outrage that, despite their unwavering commitment to educating our youth, teachers are left to carry the weight of bureaucratic failure.
ActionSA will not tolerate this negligence. We will be reporting this matter to the Public Protector to ensure accountability and that appropriate corrective action is taken.
Teachers are the backbone of our education system, and their rights and health must be respected.
We demand swift action to rectify this situation, as the MEC for Education and the head of the Department of Education cannot continue to ignore their responsibilities while educators bear the brunt of their incompetence. ActionSA will continue to stand up for the rights of teachers and ensure that they receive the support they deserve.
ActionSA Slams Department of Education Over Non-Payment of Medical Aid Funds
ActionSA is deeply concerned by the alarming failure of the Free State Department of Education, under the leadership of MEC for Education, Dr. Mantlhake Maboya, and the head of the Department of Education, Advocate Tsoarelo Malakoane, in addressing the non-payment of medical aid funds. This gross neglect not only endangers the health and well-being of educators but also exacerbates the already immense pressures that teachers face in their vital roles.
The Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS) has not received payments from the Department of Education, leaving teachers uncertain about their medical coverage. This situation is a direct result of the Department’s gross mismanagement and inaction, further compounding the challenges teachers already face due to the erosion of their rights, including alarming increases in physical abuse from learners.
As if the immense stress of teaching were not enough, teachers are now receiving distressing messages from GEMS. One teacher shared with us an SMS stating:
“GEMS: Your February contribution is outstanding by R10,705.00 due to non-payment by your employer. For info, please contact your HR or Finance dept.”
This is unacceptable. Teachers are being let down by the very system meant to protect their health and welfare. It is an outrage that, despite their unwavering commitment to educating our youth, teachers are left to carry the weight of bureaucratic failure.
ActionSA will not tolerate this negligence. We will be reporting this matter to the Public Protector to ensure accountability and that appropriate corrective action is taken.
Teachers are the backbone of our education system, and their rights and health must be respected.
We demand swift action to rectify this situation, as the MEC for Education and the head of the Department of Education cannot continue to ignore their responsibilities while educators bear the brunt of their incompetence. ActionSA will continue to stand up for the rights of teachers and ensure that they receive the support they deserve.