Unit 1: Pages 16 - 18

Organisations that succeed in the transition from one order (one principal) to another, are those that put people at the top of their priority list. You will need to focus on teachers as people by:



  1. Considering their diverse needs for development (Moral dimension: Supporting them as they pursue the school’s agenda of improvement through teaching and learning)
  2. Providing management and leadership (Technical dimension: availability and use of resources – tools of the trade)
  3. Being friendly without being their friend




As the principal, you will need to focus on yourself as you are the professional role model. Pay attention to: arrival and departure times, behaviour, dress code, language use, relationships...

Ethical behaviour

As an employee of the Department of Basic Education, and therefore the Government, you have an obligation to become familiar with the SACE Code of Conduct and to fully understand your responsibilities in relation to your behaviour. SACE’s Code of Professional Ethics requires you to conduct yourself ethically and with integrity in the school. There are also many legal issues surrounding your employment and it is imperative that you uphold the law to ensure your good standing. Consider how your actions reflect on you personally and professionally.

SACE Code of Professional Ethics

Due to constant contact with the colleagues at school, learners and the general public in performing your duties, you are required to subscribe to a Code of Professional Ethics that defines proper professional behaviour.

SACE Code of Professional Ethics requires an educator who is registered to:

  • Acknowledge the noble calling of their profession to educate and train the learners of our country
  • Acknowledge that the attitude, dedication, self-discipline, ideals, training and conduct of the teaching profession determines the quality of education in this country
  • Acknowledge, uphold and promote basic human rights as embodied in the Constitution of South Africa
  • Commit them therefore to do all within their power, in exercising of their professional duties, to act in accordance with the ideals of their profession
  • Act in a proper and becoming way such that their behaviour does not bring the teaching profession into disrepute.


Professionalism

The term ‘professionalism’ refers to the basis of standards of conduct. Professionalism is associated with careful adherence to undeviating courtesy, respect, honesty and responsibility in one's dealings with customers and colleagues.

Professional ethics encompass the rules that a person has to follow in their professional life. The rules tell the employees about what they should do and not do in the workplace. As public servants, principals and teachers make a commitment to the South African nation to carry out their duties to the highest professional standards in order to bring about a fairer, sustainable and better future for all, at school and community levels.

The following factors, amongst others, contribute to professionalism in the workplace:

  • Image
  • Attitude
  • Communication
  • Etiquette
  • Professional conversations
  • Dress code



Batho Pele Principles

The notion of “putting people first” provides a framework for the transformation of public service delivery and as a result, the government introduced the concept of Batho Pele in 1997 which means “people first.” This is integrated into every aspect of government service delivery systems with a view to re-engineer and improve government operations. Schools are also expected to adhere to Batho Pele principles as outlined below.

  • Batho Pele Principle 1: Consultation
  • Batho Pele Principle 2: Service Standards
  • Batho Pele Principle 3: Access
  • Batho Pele Principle 4: Courtesy
  • Batho Pele Principle 5: Information
  • Batho Pele Principle 6: Openness and transparency
  • Batho Pele Principle 7: Redress
  • Batho Pele Principle 8: Value for Money
  • Batho Pele Principle 9: Encouraging Innovation and Rewarding Excellence
  • Batho Pele Principle 10: Customer Impact
  • Batho Pele Principle 11: Leadership and Strategic Direction.


Last modified: Monday, 12 April 2021, 7:54 AM