Teachers should approach protest action in responsible manner, says FEDSAS

Teachers, parents and other role-players in education should see to it that their involvement in Cosatu's proposed country-wide protest action does not interfere with children's education.

"Children should not become the victims of adults' problems," says Dr Jaco Deacon, deputy CEO of the Federation of Governing Bodies of South African Schools (FEDSAS).

Deacon says FEDSAS takes concerned notice of Cosatu's announcement that the country will be immobilised by a strike to protest against labour brokers and the proposed toll road system in Gauteng. "The Constitution provides for citizens to air their grievances by way of legal strikes, but at the same time the Constitution protects children's right to education. These two rights may not be pitted against each other," says Deacon. FEDSAS is calling on all teachers to fulfil their professional obligation to school children.

"And it's not only teachers that have a responsibility towards children. The election of school governing bodies is currently underway at schools across the country and it is all parents' responsibility to take part in this election.

Participation in the school governing body elections is another way for people to exercise their rights as citizens. Responsible, competent governing bodies contribute to quality education, which in turn contributes to a decrease in disruptive protest actions."

FEDSAS is also calling on trade union leaders to act in an accountable way where education is concerned. "We cannot have a repeat of the situation in 2010 when education was disrupted by strikes, and in some instances even threatened the safety of people. Strikes should be approached in a responsible and accountable manner. It makes no sense to try and solve one problem in a way that creates numerous other problems."

(FEDSAS is a voluntary association of school governing bodies of public schools and supports quality education in these schools. Some 1300 public schools are already members of FEDSAS).

Statement issued by Dr Jaco Deacon, Deputy CEO: FEDSAS, March 5 2012

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