Sadtu must explain why it acts to hamper basic education

The DA challenges the South African Democratic Teacher's Association (Sadtu) to a public debate about creating a quality education system. Improving education is South Africa's biggest challenge, and Sadtu's role is the biggest stumbling block our country faces in doing this. The DA wants this union to publicly justify their attitude and approach.

Despite the fact that Sadtu has committed itself to excellence, the organisation continues to behave as if schools are the personal fiefdoms of their members. For example:

• Last week the DA visited the Emmang Mmogo High School in the Northern Cape, which obtained a 38% pass rate last year. Despite having made a prior arrangement to visit the school, we were blocked at a locked gate by both the regional director and the principal. It became evident through discussions that a reign of terror is carried out by local Sadtu members and that, for example, principals are scared to insist that teachers complete leave forms after being absent from school for reasons other than illness.
• During a portfolio committee oversight visit to Mpumalanga (23 and 24 February 2010) we found that the Bushbuckridge District (the worst performing district in this province) was in total disarray. The regional director and other senior officials (we met with them) are constantly threatened that they will be killed if they dare to go to work. A certain faction linked to Sadtu is not prepared to accept them being appointed in their current positions, and is therefore creating havoc in this district.
• The DA continuously receives letters from frustrated teachers and principals who have been forced to wait for appointments or act in temporary posts for months on end, as a result of Sadtu's involvement in politicising educational appointments.

Sadtu has been responsible for creating an environment in which teachers are not prepared to walk the extra mile, arrive late at school or are often absent from work for invalid reasons, and are willing to strike for the most trivial of reasons.

This union does not understand or accept that in education the interests of the learners should come first, and that the future of a country lies with its children.

Education Minister Angie Motshekga last week blamed poor school results on the lack of discipline among teachers. Everyone who understands education knows that discipline guarantees quality education. The ill discipline of many teachers taints the entire system, and Sadtu is to a large degree responsible for this.

Statement issued by Junita Kloppers-Lourens, MP, Democratic Alliance shadow minister of basic education, February 28 2010

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