The antics of Western Cape educator Janine Orderson in Big Brother, the 24-hour reality television show on DSTV and M-Net, has become a talking point in education circles. Orderson, a primary school grade seven teacher, merrily consumed alcohol, paraded in a G-string and spoke of her sexual fantasies on the show.
The divorced mother of two said that after school she would always rush home to masturbate and that she was missing sex. In an earlier programme she cried as she disclosed she was missing her children.
Orderson’s behaviour on the show has raised the ire of education authorities, drawing criticism from Western Cape MEC Helen Zille and parents. Her behaviour has made her the butt of jokes among some pupils. “I saw mam’s bum on television,” remarked one pupil to a Cape Town newspaper.
Rej Brijraj, chief executive officer of the South African Council for Educators (SACE) said her behaviour was not in keeping with the council’s code of conduct for educators. He said her behaviour had a negative effect on the teaching fraternity because Orderson was a professional in the public eye.
All South African teachers have to abide by the council’s code of conduct or they could face a disciplinary hearing. The code requires of teachers, among other things, that their behaviour enhance “the dignity and status of the teaching profession”. Orderson, from Belville, said she would donate R100 000 to the school if she won the R1-million prize for being the last person in the house, however, her behaviour on the show has cast doubts about whether she will have a easy return to the classroom at from Montagu Drive Primary.
Should Janine Orderson be kicked out of school? Have your say on our voteline 082 232 3071 and you could win R500.
– The Teacher/M&G Media, Johannesburg, October 2001.