SADTU and DBE must put learners' needs first 

The announcement yesterday by the South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) that it would consider embarking on mass action because it had lost confidence in Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga  is yet another example of how this union is putting its political interests ahead of our children's futures.  

If a legitimate concern exists about the implementation or otherwise of collective bargaining agreements, both SADTU and the Department of Basic Education (DBE) must pursue every possible avenue to resolve this. The union's threats to embark on mass strike action, minimise communication with the Department and refrain from marking exam papers and ANA scripts will only put the education of our learners in jeopardy. 

I will therefore be writing to the chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education, Hope Malgas, to request that Minister Motshekga and SADTU Secretary-General Mugwena Maluleke appear before the Committee urgently, before the end of the first parliamentary term on 29 March, to explain what the problems are with the collective agreements and what needs to be done to address them.

Both the DBE and SADTU have to put the needs of South Africa's learners first and return to the negotiating table. As long as they are at odds, it is our children who suffer the most.

Statement issued by Annette Lovemore MP, DA Shadow Minister of Basic Education, March 6 2013

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