October is Mental Health Month, with 10 October commemorated as World Mental Health Day. The DBE, in partnership with the National Education Collaboration Trust (NECT), co-hosted a dialogue on the Mental Health of Teachers in recognition of World Mental Health Day. School violence, bullying and social ills in schools are traumatic events, affecting the mental health of both learners and teachers in South African schools. Chairperson, Ms Andile Dube opened the dialogue saying that, “much is being done for learners, but the mental health and wellbeing of our teachers is equally important, especially during Teacher Appreciation Month”.
Mr Risuna Nkuna from the South African Council for Educators (SACE), delivered a message of support, indicating that there are 37 SACE accredited and endorsed programmes to support teachers for their holistic wellbeing, along with continued webinars and encouraged them to participate in these initiatives.
Prof Shirley Reynolds from the Global Centre for Child and Adolescent Mental Health (Child Mind) presented on the topic, Does mental health matter? “Teaching is a high-demand profession, but can be mitigated by support, motivation and appreciation. I encourage autonomy and creativity in dealing with learner discipline, but within the legal confines of the law,” she added.
An enlightening presentation by Mr Nkosinathi Magudulela from the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA), based on GEMS and Health Risk Assessment Reports, identified mental health as a contributor leading to the top five prevalent chronic conditions affecting Public Servants: Hypertention (7%); HIV (6%); Diabetes (2.8%); Hyperlipidemia (2%); and Mental Disease (2%). Early identification and intervention through health promotion programmes in the workspace is essential, he added. Robust discussions on the state of South African teachers by principals, SGBs, teacher unions and Representatives of Council of Learners (RCL) followed.
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) presented findings on their Working Life survey on mental health in the workplace, prioritising the mental health of educators. The top 5 diagnosed conditions in the sector are depression (34%); stress (25%); burnout (135); trauma (10%); and General Anxiety Disorder (GAD) at 18%, with 52% of employees surveyed have been diagnosed with mental health conditions.
Ms Crysty Swift from DBE-Ecubed gave a presentation on the TeacherConnect WhatsApp bot online learning and digital community of practice, providing teachers on both education and psychosocial support. Teachers can save the Teacher Connect app number on 060 060 3333 to conduct a health check.
In closing, Ms Sibongile Monareng, DBE Director for Psychosocial Support, highlighted the Care and Support for Teaching and Learning Framework: “the emotional welfare of teachers impact on leaners and vice versa. It is necessary for school principals to provide safe and stigma free environments, and for educators to understand the role they play in their own wellness, supporting each other, and to participate in educator surveys. “The DBE is in the process of developing an online mental health platform for learners and educators to be launched in early 2025. We are also piloting social-emotional learning training in all provinces, along with a course for school principals. We are building the capacity of Psychosocial Support Practitioners and Learner Support Agents, along with a standardised approach for the placement of Mental Health Coaches in schools. Along with our partner, the Department of Social Development we aim to deliver even more support to schools in the new academic year”.