The South African Council of Educators (SACE) has issued a warning stating that teachers may face disciplinary measures for serious misconduct committed outside of working hours, such as alcohol consumption and cyberbullying.
However, the Educators’ Union of South Africa rejects SACE's decision, which regulates educators' behavior outside the school premises. Nevertheless, Naptosa supports SACE's code of professional ethics, which requires teachers to adhere to standards of good conduct both during and outside of work.
In its statement, SACE emphasized that educators who ignore requirements for proper conduct in and out of the classroom risk undermining their professional reputation. 'Teachers in South Africa can face disciplinary action for serious violations, even when off duty and away from school. This means that behaviors such as fights, social media threats, or driving under the influence can jeopardize their careers,' stated SACE.
This move follows reports of teachers engaging in cyberbullying, tavern fights, and driving while intoxicated.
The Chairperson of the Educators Union of South Africa, Scelo Bengu, expressed his disapproval of this ruling. He noted that teachers 'have a life outside of education' and should not be subject to professional standards outside the classroom. Bengu argued that the code of conduct is acceptable when related to school activities, such as kissing a student, but it does not apply to drunken outings in a tavern because that occurs in an entirely different setting unrelated to work.
He also pointed out that SACE deducts millions of rands from teachers' salaries monthly but fails to use these funds where they are truly needed. Bengu added that teachers should be educated on the provisions of the Educators Employment Act, and SACE should conduct workshops for those unaware of changes to this law.
The National Professional Teachers Organisation of South Africa (Naptosa) welcomed SACE's initiative. Representative Thirona Govender stated that this rule is common across many sectors beyond education and that courts uphold it. NAPTOSA supports this rule, insisting that teachers must respect their profession everywhere and serve as an example.
Chatsworth Director, Dr. Jeeva Naidoo, believes that teachers are on duty around the clock. He stressed that they must be role models for students and society, setting an example in matters of dress code, punctuality, and other aspects. Naidoo noted that if the school establishes a code of conduct for students, teachers are equally obligated to follow suit. He acknowledged the existence of life outside of school but warned that poor off-duty behavior by a teacher could lead to them being associated with the school.
One teacher from Shallcross, who wished to remain anonymous, voiced disagreement with SACE's decision to penalize teachers outside of work hours. She stated that school is work, and home is home, and that the state should not dictate private life, thereby infringing upon freedom of expression.