How to Know if You're Ready to be a Political Science Teacher (Postsecondary) in South Africa
In my years navigating the corridors of South African academia, I’ve seen many passionate graduates enter the field of Political Science thinking it’s all about debating the latest SONA or dissecting election results over coffee. While those moments happen, being a postsecondary teacher—or lecturer—is a demanding vocation that requires a unique blend of intellectual rigour and thick skin. Currently, our market data shows a snapshot of zero active public listings and an average salary of around R40,577 per month. To some, that "zero" might look discouraging, but in my experience, it actually reflects the highly specialised, networked nature of our universities. These roles aren't always on standard job boards; they are earned through reputation, research output, and persistence.
The "Internal Audit": A Psychometric Checklist
Before you commit to the years of study required, you need to ask yourself if your temperament matches the "hidden" requirements of the job. I’ve seen brilliant researchers struggle because they lacked the interpersonal stamina for the classroom. Use this checklist to see where you stand:
- Intellectual Agility: Can you remain neutral and facilitate a heated debate between students on sensitive topics like land reform or decolonisation without losing control of the room?
- The "Long Game" Mindset: Are you comfortable with delayed gratification? In South Africa, the path to a permanent senior lectureship can take a decade of post-graduate work.
- Public Speaking Confidence: Can you hold the attention of 200 first-year students on a Friday afternoon when they’d rather be anywhere else?
- Research Resilience: Do you enjoy the solitude of deep archive work or data analysis as much as you enjoy the "fame" of a lecture hall?
- Administrative Patience: Are you prepared to handle the meticulous (and often tedious) work of marking hundreds of scripts and following strict SAQA quality assurance protocols?
A Glimpse into the Daily Grind
In my experience, no two days are identical, but there is a rhythm to the academic year that you must learn to love. Here is what a typical Tuesday might look like for a lecturer at a South African university:
08:30 – 10:00: The "Deep Work" session. You’re likely refining a paper for a journal like Politikon or the South African Journal of International Affairs. Publishing is the "currency" of our world.
10:30 – 12:00: Undergrad Lecture. You’re explaining the nuances of South Africa’s proportional representation system to a diverse group of students. You have to be ready for sharp questions that challenge your own perspectives.
13:00 – 14:30: Student Consultations. This is where the real teaching happens. You’ll help a Master’s student refine their thesis proposal or advise a struggling first-year on how to structure a political theory essay.
15:00 – 17:00: Departmental Meeting. You’ll discuss curriculum changes, budget constraints, or how to better integrate "Africa-centric" perspectives into your teaching programme.
The Educational Path in the South African Context
If you’re serious about this career, you cannot stop at a Bachelor’s degree. I always tell my students that in the current labour market, a Master’s is the minimum entry point, but a PhD is the goal.
- The Honours Year: This is your "trial by fire." It’s where you move from consuming knowledge to producing it. You’ll specialise in areas like International Relations, Political Theory, or Public Policy.
- The Master’s Degree (MA): To lecture at a reputable university, you need an MA. I recommend a "Master’s by Research" if you want to prove your academic mettle.
- The PhD: If you want a permanent, tenured position and that R40,000+ salary, the Doctorate is non-negotiable. It allows you to be recognised as an expert by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).
- Niche Specialisation: I’ve noticed that those who specialise in "Global South" politics, African political economy, or digital governance are currently in higher demand.
Is it Worth It? My Personal Take
I’ve seen the market fluctuate, and while the "0 active jobs" figure might seem daunting, remember that South Africa is the political laboratory of the world. Our universities—from UCT and Wits to Fort Hare and UKZN—are constantly looking for fresh voices who can help the next generation make sense of our democracy. The salary of R40,577 is a starting point; senior lecturers and professors often earn significantly more, supplemented by private consulting or research grants.
If you are someone who wakes up wanting to understand why power shifts the way it does, and if you find joy in seeing a student finally "get" a complex concept, then you are exactly what our education system needs.
Next Steps to Kickstart Your Career
Don't wait for a job posting to appear on a generic site. If you want to enter this field, you need to be proactive:
- Start Tutoring: Apply to be a tutor at your university while you’re doing your Honours or Master’s. It’s the best way to see if you actually enjoy teaching.
- Network: Join the South African Association of Political Studies (SAAPS). Attend their conferences. Introduce yourself to the heads of departments.
- Publish Early: Try to get a book review or a co-authored article published before you even finish your PhD.
Are you truly ready to shape the political minds of tomorrow, or is your interest better suited for a different path in the public sector? The best way to find out is to take a deep dive into your own professional profile.
Are you ready for the lecture hall? Take our comprehensive Career Readiness Assessment to find out.
Compare this with Economics Teachers, Postsecondary, History Teachers, Postsecondary and Law Teachers, Postsecondary, which pay a similar kind of salary in South Africa.
