For years the country has been vocal about their disapproval of recycling the same faces in the entertainment industry.
'Open up the industry' gained momentum and we gradually saw new faces on our TV screens and heard new voices on our radio stations. However the power that seems to be attached to a lot of celebrities is scrutinized.
The Department Of Education's decision to hire celebrities as tutors for the Stem Digital online school was not welcomed and they were slammed by citizens. Especially qualifying educators who are without jobs currently.
The lockdown brought many things to a halt including the education system. So the decision to encourage learners to study from home was commended however slammed when famous people were hired to teach learners without proper qualifications.
Famous faces such as Khaya Mthethwa, Somizi, DJ Sbu, Mohale and Pearl Modiadie were tasked to educate pupils during lockdown.
#CelebritiesAreNotTeachers started gaining a lot of traction on social media. The powers that be, Black Twitter that is, made sure that educators got given the gig and the celebrities get elbowed.
The DBE has now taken the decision to have qualified professional teachers as tutors for the remainder of the lockdown period.
In a press release the department announced that it has partnered with DSTV to broadcast the lessons on television. This time with qualified teachers as tutors.
Part of the statement reads "The media partners (1KZN and Soweto TV) came on board at no cost to carry the digital schools on their channel. There are 54 qualified teachers assisting learners for free and the service will now be accessible on the television channels. There has been growth in demand from learners and parents who had appealed for assistance to access the support on alternative platforms."
