BARRIERS TO THE EMPLOYMENT AND PROMOTION OF TEACHERS: THE CASE OF INTERNATIONAL TEACHERS AT SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN THE MTHATHA EDUCATION DISTRICT OF SOUTH AFRICA

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the barriers to the employment and promotion of international teachers at secondary schools in the Mthatha Education District of South Africa. A sample of five principals, five Deputy Principals, five Heads of Departments and five international teachers from five different public secondary schools was used in the study. Face-to-face in-depth individual interviews were used to collect data from participants. Data obtained were analysed thematically. The following common barriers to the employment and promotion of international teachers at secondary schools in the district were revealed in the study: resistance from the local teachers to recognise the cultural similarities and differences that existed between themselves and the international teachers, the element of insecurity in the local teachers concerning the employment or promotion of international teachers, the school governing body’s influence which favours the local teachers in any employment situation, the limited promotional posts in the senior secondary schools and the lack of work permits and South African resident permits by the international teachers. Recommendations concerning these barriers were made to ensure equal employments and promotional opportunities for all teachers irrespective of their nationalities.