The National Professional Teachers’ Organisation of South Africa says there is now more clarity around how long teachers, found guilty of offences, would be excluded from the country’s education system.

This, after the Basic Education Department this week gazetted a range of terms and conditions of employment that also stipulate whether teachers, depending on which offence they are guilty of, would be allowed to teach at schools again.

Executive Director at NAPTOSA, Basil Manuel.

Manuel says the new rules would also allow for a more uniform application of the regulations.

Teachers found guilty of sexual misconduct, including the sexual harassment of pupils, can never work at a public school again. Those found guilty of being in possession of illegal drugs, will also be banned from teaching. Lesser offences, such as bribery, holds a five year exclusion, while those who misappropriate school property will be allowed to teach again after a year