What Is SACE?
The South African Council for Educators (SACE) is the professional body for all educators in South Africa, established under the South African Council for Educators Act 31 of 2000. SACE serves a role similar to professional councils in other fields (like the Health Professions Council for doctors): it regulates the teaching profession, maintains professional standards, and promotes ethical conduct.
Registration
All educators working in South African schools must be registered with SACE. This is a legal requirement under the Employment of Educators Act. Registration confirms that an educator holds a recognised teaching qualification and is fit to practise.
How to Register
- Complete the SACE registration form (available on the SACE website or at provincial offices)
- Submit certified copies of your qualifications, ID document, and any previous teaching experience documentation
- Pay the registration fee
- SACE verifies your qualifications and, if approved, issues a registration certificate and unique SACE number
Registration must be renewed annually by paying the annual fee. Your SACE registration number is required for appointment at any public or independent school in South Africa.
The Code of Professional Ethics
SACE maintains a Code of Professional Ethics that all registered educators must uphold. The code covers:
- Conduct towards learners – Educators must respect learners’ dignity, avoid discrimination, maintain appropriate relationships, and prioritise learners’ well-being
- Conduct towards colleagues – Professional respect, avoiding undermining colleagues, and collaborative working
- Conduct towards parents – Respectful communication and partnership in learners’ education
- Conduct towards the profession – Upholding the reputation of teaching, ongoing professional development, and honest representation of qualifications
Educators found to have breached the code can face disciplinary action, including warnings, suspension, or removal from the register (which prevents them from teaching).
Continuing Professional Teacher Development (CPTD)
SACE manages the CPTD system, which requires educators to accumulate Professional Development (PD) points through approved activities. These include:
- Attending SACE-endorsed workshops and courses
- Completing formal qualifications
- Participating in school-based professional learning communities
- Mentoring other educators
- Conducting or presenting research
Educators are expected to accumulate 150 PD points over a three-year cycle. SACE-endorsed providers offer courses that carry PD point allocations.
SACE-Endorsed Courses
Courses endorsed by SACE have been reviewed and approved as contributing to professional development. When choosing professional development opportunities, check whether the course is SACE-endorsed, as this ensures quality and allows you to earn PD points. SACE maintains a list of endorsed providers on their website.
Reporting Misconduct
Anyone can report an educator’s misconduct to SACE. Common grounds for complaints include inappropriate conduct towards learners, substance abuse at school, and failure to maintain professional standards. SACE investigates complaints and may convene a disciplinary hearing.
Contact SACE
SACE has a head office in Centurion, Gauteng, and provincial offices across South Africa. Contact details, registration forms, and information about endorsed courses are available on the SACE website at www.sace.org.za.