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.

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• 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:

1. Public schools: Educators employed under the Employment of Educators Act of 1998 and the South African Schools Act of 1996.
2. Independent schools: Teachers in recognized private institutions.
3. Further Education and Training (FET) Institutions: Educators employed in terms of the FET Act of 1998.
4. Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET) centers.
5. Waldorf and Montessori centers.
6. Early Childhood Development (ECD) educators: Those with at least an NQF level 4 ECD qualification teaching Grade R.
7. 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