Soweto teachers abandon school again

More than 50 teachers bunked classes today to attend two court cases involving SA Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) members in the Protea magistrate court. This is despite disciplinary action having been taken against teachers who attended previous court cases.

The MEC last week reported that final written warnings had been given to 58 teachers and 4 administrative personnel who had abandoned their duties to attend court proceedings. The DA will table questions to the MEC to ascertain steps taken by her department to prevent educators abandoning classes.

We need to know whether there are repeat offenders and what mechanisms are in place to prevent teachers attending court cases instead of teaching. The department must ensure that no more classes are disrupted in Soweto either by teachers or learners. 

The nature and extent of the misconduct can lead to dismissal in terms of section 18 of the Employment of Educators Act of 1998 .

The DA will support the MEC to ensure that schools in Soweto have discipline and order. The rot in Soweto must be halted.

Statement issued by Khume Ramulifho, MPL, DA Gauteng Education Spokesperson June 21 2011

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