The politics of recruitment for Departmental Heads in the South African school system: Is it an offer or a contestation?

This study explored teachers’ experiences of recruitment for Departmental Heads in primary schools. A wide proliferation of the literature suggests that the recruitment of human resources plays a fundamental role in employing the relevant candidates for promotional positions. In terms of the Employment of Educators Act, the appointments and filling of any post on any teacher establishment, due regard should be given to equality, equity and other democratic values and principles contemplated in South African Constitution. Using Rawls’ theory of social justice, qualitative approach within the interpretivist paradigm was used for the study. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews from five purposefully selected primary school teachers. A case study design was applied. Collected data were analysed thematically. In spite of the existence of the legislative and regulating framework, teachers continue to protest the recruitment process and associated procedures of Departmental Heads. The results exposed unfairness and conflict of interest among the stakeholders involved in recruitment. This study recommends that the Department of Education legislate a clause allowing districts to constitute independent recruitment personnel and introduce a recruitment manual that should be used to train recruitment teams for promotional posts at primary school level.