SADTU strike procession made its way to Parliament today

Athenkosi Mvane

24 April 2013

Today, hundreds of teachers, students and Congress of South African Trade Union members joined hands with the South African Democratic Teachers Union on a strike.

Media reports said the strike action was considered illegal and not protected.

The procession was to demonstrate the educators’ union’s dissatisfaction with Basic Education Minister Angei Motshekga and Director General Booby Soobrayan.

The delegation handed over their memorandum to Parliament.

National Secretary of Sadtu Mugwena Maluleke said when collective bargaining is being threatened, the future of South Africa’s children, public education and denial of constitutional rights.

“We are saying therefore, we will not be intimidated, we will march forward and march for what is rightful for the people of South Africa” Maluleke added.

Meanwhile Western Cape Cosatu secretary Tony Ehrenreich said that former model C schools had better resources as compared to schools in the locations, which made it harder for township students’ education standards to compare with the more privileged schools.

“When township schools have doubled the amount of students as fancy schools, then the teachers in townships must do doubled the amount of work as schools those schools behind the shadow of Table Mountain” Ehrenreich added.