The South African Council for Educators (SACE) is a professional body mandated with the responsibility of overseeing the standards of teaching in South Africa. It aims to enhance the status of the teaching profession by ensuring that educators meet specific professional criteria. In this blog post, we will delve into the importance of SACE, its registration process, and frequently asked questions to help educators in South Africa understand their obligations and the benefits of being SACE-registered.
- Who qualifies for SACE?
- How long does it take to apply for SACE?
- How much does SACE cost?
- Can I teach without SACE?
- Can I apply for SACE without police clearance?
- Does a SACE certificate expire?
What is SACE?
SACE serves as a governing council responsible for the regulation and promotion of the teaching profession in South Africa. The council enforces a registration process for all educators, ensuring that those in the profession meet the required standards. This is done under the auspices of the SACE Act, which states that no person may be employed as an educator unless they are registered with the council.
SACE not only oversees registration but also promotes continuous professional development (CPD) for educators, ensuring that they maintain high teaching standards throughout their careers.
Who Must Register with SACE?
Registration with SACE is mandatory for educators working across various sectors, including:
- Public schools: Educators employed under the Employment of Educators Act of 1998 and the South African Schools Act of 1996.
- Independent schools: Teachers in recognized private institutions.
- Further Education and Training (FET) Institutions: Educators employed in terms of the FET Act of 1998.
- Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET) centers.
- Waldorf and Montessori centers.
- Early Childhood Development (ECD) educators: Those with at least an NQF level 4 ECD qualification teaching Grade R.
- Foreign educators: As per the 2008 SACE Council Resolution.
Why Do Educators Need to Register?
Under the SACE Act, registration is essential to work as a teacher in South Africa. Without registration, educators cannot be employed by any institution, whether public or private. Registration with SACE not only confirms that an individual is qualified to teach but also affirms their commitment to professional standards and ethical teaching practices.
How to Register with SACE
The registration process involves submitting several key documents to SACE:
- Certified copies of qualifications (diplomas, degrees) with an official stamp certifying that they are true copies of the original.
- Identity documents (certified).
- Payment of a registration fee: R200 for South African educators and R400 for foreign educators.
Educators can post their application forms to the SACE office or visit in person, although mailing applications is preferred for faster processing. The SACE office discourages walk-ins due to high demand, and applicants should expect the registration process to take around six weeks.
Can Foreign Educators Register with SACE?
Yes, foreign educators can register with SACE, provided they meet specific requirements. These include:
- Evaluation of foreign qualifications by the Department of Education (DoE) or the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
- Proof of legal entry into South Africa (e.g., passport, visa, or asylum seeker’s permit).
- A letter of “Good Ethical and Professional Standing” from the licensing body in their country of origin.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About SACE Registration
Q: Is it necessary to submit original diplomas or degrees when registering at SACE?
A: No, only certified copies of qualifications are required. The certification should not be older than six months.
Q: How long does the SACE registration process take?
A: The process typically takes six weeks for South African educators and three months for foreign educators.
Q: What happens if I lose my SACE registration certificate?
A: You can request a replacement certificate by submitting a letter to SACE, along with a R50 postal order or cheque.
Q: Can I email or fax my application to SACE?
A: No. SACE requires original application forms and certified documents to be sent by post. However, the council is working on an online application process for provisional registration.
Q: Are educators required to pay any monthly fees after registration?
A: Yes, all educators must pay a monthly levy of R10, deducted via their pay slips if they work for public schools. For private institutions, an annual fee of R120 per educator is required.
Contact Information for SACE
For inquiries or to follow up on the registration process, educators can contact SACE through the following channels:
- Email: info@sace.org.za
- Phone: 012 663 9517
- Physical Address: 240 Lenchen Avenue, Centurion, 0046
Overview of Public Universities in South Africa
Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.
University of Pretoria
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
- Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.
University of Cape Town
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
- Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.
Stellenbosch University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
- Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.
University of the Witwatersrand
- Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
- Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.
University of Johannesburg
- Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
- Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.
University of the Free State
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.
University of Venda
- Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
- Application Period: Usually from May to September.
University of Fort Hare
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
- Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.
University of the Western Cape
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
- Application Period: Generally from May to September.
North-West University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
- Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.
Rhodes University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
- Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.
Nelson Mandela University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
- Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.
University of Limpopo
- Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
- Application Period: From April to September.
University of Zululand
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
- Application Period: Usually between April and November.
Central University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
- Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.
Vaal University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
- Application Period: Typically from May to September.
Walter Sisulu University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
- Application Period: From April to September.
This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.