Die arbeidswetgewing wat betrekking het op die onderwysomgewing is omvattend en dek ’n groot verskeidenheid aspekte waarmee almal binne hierdie omgewing op een of ander stadium te doen kry. Waar daar in die verlede moontlik ’n vae begrip van veral wette en regulasies ten opsigte van diensvoorwaardes by meeste werknemers in die onderwys teenwoordig was, is dit nou onontbeerlik om ’n basiese begrip van alle relevante wetgewing en regulasies wat van toepassing is, te hê. Veral onderwysers kan hulle in die spreekwoordelike mynveld bevind indien hulle nie seker maak dat hulle oor die basiese kennis van onderwysreg beskik nie. Dit word gestaaf deur die talle hofsake, dispute, mediasies, dissiplinêre verhore en die dikwels onaangename implikasies daarvan vir indiwidue (en hul gesinne) wat voortspruit uit aanklagte teen oortreders in alle sektore van die onderwys.

Wetswysigings na aanleiding van veranderde omstandighede binne die onderwys, lei tot die behoefte om voortdurend op die hoogte van die implikasies en toepassing daarvan te wees. Hierdie dringende behoefte geld nie alleen vir skoolhoofde nie, maar vir elkeen betrokke by onderwys. Aan die een kant berus die korrekte toepassing en implementering by die beheerliggaam en die hoof van ’n inrigting, maar aan die ander kant raak dit die mense wat daar werksaam is. Die skrywers van hierdie boek het nie alleen ’n deeglike besef van hierdie noodsaaklike behoefte nie, hulle spreek dit ook baie effektief aan deur middel van hulle uiters waardevolle ervaring. Hierdie ervaring spruit voort uit praktiese betrokkenheid by die onderwys asook deeglike navorsing op die terrein van onderwysreg.

Kennis van al die aspekte wat in hierdie boek aangespreek word, verbeter ongetwyfeld die kwaliteit van die onderrig– en leerproses in die klaskamer – ’n broodnodige doelwit om na te streef. Dit skep ook ’n veiliger omgewing waarbinne elkeen funksioneer. Persoonlik is ek baie dankbaar vir die bydrae wat deur middel van hierdie handige handleiding gemaak word tot die uiteindelike kwaliteit van onderwys in Suid Afrika.

The labour law applicable to the education environment is comprehensive and covers a vast variety of aspects that everyone within that environment will encounter at one time or another. In the past, most employees in education may have had a vague understanding of particular laws and regulations regarding conditions of employment, but now it is essential to have a basic understanding of all relevant laws and regulations that apply. Teachers, especially, could find themselves in a proverbial minefield if they do not ensure that they have a working knowledge of education law. This is evidenced by the numerous lawsuits, disputes, mediations, disciplinary hearings and often unpleasant implications for individuals (and their families) that arise from charges against offenders in all sectors of education. Legislative changes resulting from altered circumstances in education, have led to the need to be constantly aware of the implications and applications of such changes. This urgent need applies not only to principals, but to everyone involved in education. On the one hand the responsibility for correct application and implementation of education legislation lies with the governing body and the head of an institution, but on the other hand it affects the people who work there. The authors of this book have a keen understanding of this vital need, and address it most effectively from their own invaluable experience that stems from practical involvement and thorough research in the field of education.

The labour law applicable to the education environment is comprehensive and covers a vast variety of aspects that everyone within that environment will encounter at one time or another. In the past, most employees in education may have had a vague understanding of particular laws and regulations regarding conditions of employment, but now it is essential to have a basic understanding of all relevant laws and regulations that apply. Teachers, especially, could find themselves in a proverbial minefield if they do not ensure that they have a working knowledge of education law. This is evidenced by the numerous lawsuits, disputes, mediations, disciplinary hearings and often unpleasant implications for individuals (and their families) that arise from charges against offenders in all sectors of education. Legislative changes resulting from altered circumstances in education have led to the need to be constantly aware of the implications and applications of such changes. This urgent need applies not only to principals, but to everyone involved in education. On the one hand the responsibility for correct application and implementation of education legislation lies with the governing body and the head of an institution, but on the other hand it affects the people who work there. The authors of this book have a keen understanding of this vital need, and address it most effectively from their own invaluable experience that stems from practical involvement and thorough research in the field of education. A sound working knowledge of all the aspects that are addressed in this book undoubtedly improves the quality of teaching and learning in the classroom - a critical goal that needs to be pursued. It also creates a safer environment in which everyone can operate. I am personally very grateful for the contribution that this handy guide makes to the ultimate quality of education in South Africa.

The content of Introduction to education law satisfies an urgent need in the area of teaching and schooling in South Africa. The practical examples and the principles set out in the text are of importance to each and every teacher. The compact writing style and accessible language ensure that it can be used not only as a textbook for undergraduate students, but also as a manual for teachers, governing bodies and all other parties interested in education. A great number of regulations arise from legislation, and these are often amended. It is therefore of the greatest importance that every teacher has this basic knowledge. The authors are all experienced educationists who continually keep up with developments in the area of teaching and schooling, and they provide outstanding guidance to all who are potential victims of incorrect actions and who then have to bear the devastating consequences of those actions. Our educational institutions and organisations are committed to quality teaching and learning, and this is only possible if every teacher who operates in the field is certain of the parameters within which teaching takes place. It is also most important to know what boundaries and limitations exist so that optimal contributions can then be made. This book equips the teacher for this task in outstanding fashion.