Abstract
M.Ed.
The research project explore the effects of rationalisation and redeployment on educators in Mpumalanga Province. The aim of this policy is to bring about equity and redress in staff provisioning. Educators who were in excess were to be redeployed to schools which were under-staffed. The implementation of this policy has caused much anxiety amongst educators and contributed to low morale. An agreement was reached between the educator unions and the education department in the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC) on a educator-pupil ratio of 1:35 in secondary schools and 1:40 in primary schools. The purpose of this research is to analyse the effects of rationalisation and
redeployment of educators, elicit the perceptions and experiences of educators on
the policy and determine the support that can be provided for affected educators.
The implementation of this policy has caused much anxiety amongst educators and
contributed to low morale. A qualitative research method was employed to understand what is behind the phenomenon. Qualitative research means research which produces fmdings not arrived at by statistical procedures or other means of qualification. It is based on building a complex, holistic picture formed with words, reporting detailed views of informants, and conducted in a natural setting. To gather empirical data the following research methods were employed: literature study and focus group interview. The following categories emerged: Inadequate communication about the policy. A climate of conflict, insecurity and low morale was created in schools. Lack of support. Failure to achieve equity.