Three Western Cape teachers have been disciplined over social media activity outside the workplace, receiving final written warnings and fines for bringing their employer into disrepute, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has confirmed.
The revelation comes amid growing controversy over whether teachers should face disciplinary action for their behaviour outside school hours, including partying, visiting taverns and posting on personal social media accounts.
WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond confirmed that three educators had been formally charged over activity involving TikTok, Facebook and WhatsApp statuses.
“They received final written warnings and fines, as sanctions,” Hammond said.
However, the department did not provide details of the posts or specify when the incidents occurred.
What the WCED’s social media rules say
Hammond said the WCED had not been formally briefed by the South African Council for Educators (SACE) on its position regarding off-duty misconduct.
She explained that Western Cape Government employees, including teachers, were subject to social media conduct rules even when acting in their personal capacities.
“Importantly, this does not mean that every aspect of an educator’s private life is subject to disciplinary action.”
Whether off-duty behaviour constitutes misconduct depends on the circumstances and its connection to employment or professional obligations.
Hammond said employees retained their constitutional right to freedom of expression but were expected to exercise good judgement and avoid bringing their employer into disrepute.
SACE says lawful off-duty conduct is not prohibited
SACE communications and stakeholder manager Risuna Nkuna clarified that teachers were free to attend parties, visit taverns and nightclubs, consume alcohol and share personal photographs online.
“Attending social gatherings, visiting taverns or nightclubs, and consuming alcohol during personal time are not, in themselves, prohibited by the Code of Professional Ethics,” Nkuna said.
However, violence, harassment, criminal activity and cyberbullying could warrant investigation.
“Each and every case is dealt on its own merits; there is no one size fits all type of an approach in these cases.”
One teacher described the expectations as another burden on an already demanding profession.
“We are so pressured in school itself. Now we being dictated to as to what we may and may not do.”
The teacher said educators spent afternoons conducting online lessons and weekends planning and marking, and family time was often sacrificed to meet professional responsibilities.
Another teacher said educators were increasingly fearful of disciplinary consequences.
Teachers raise concerns about disciplinary pressure
“We walk on eggshells every single day, constantly having to watch what we say and do out of fear of the possible consequences.”
The teacher questioned whether educators were expected to remain silent when confronted or threatened and expressed disappointment in NAPTOSA KZN’s support for SACE.
“Teachers should not have to work in constant fear of losing their livelihoods simply for standing up for themselves.”
Educators’ Union of South Africa (EUSA) spokesperson Andre de Bruin criticised attempts to regulate lawful behaviour outside working hours.
“Neither SACE nor any individual or organisation has the right to dictate how teachers conduct themselves in their private time, provided their actions remain within the confines of the law,” De Bruin said.
He argued that parents, rather than teachers alone, bore primary responsibility for raising children.
“Parents are the primary educators and role models of their children, and parental responsibility does not end when the school day begins.”
SACE maintained that educators retained their constitutional rights and that lawful private activities were not automatically grounds for disciplinary action.
The WCED said disciplinary cases must be assessed individually under applicable labour laws and procedures.
Tracy-Lynn Ruiters
iol.co.za
