DA and SADTU's war on education continues

By Ofentse Mokae
28 February 2010

The war between the official opposition the Democratic Alliance and the South African Democratic Teachers Union continues as the party calls on the union to a public debate about creating a quality education system.

The party says improving education is South Africa’s biggest challenge, and Sadtu’s role is the biggest stumbling block our country faces in doing this.

DA shadow minister on basic education Junita Kloppers-Lourens says she wants the 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,” said Kloppers-Lourens.

Kloppers-Lourens mentioned that week the DA visited the Emmang Mmogo High School in Kimberley 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,” she said.

She also revealed her party 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.

Kloppers-Lourens accused the union to be responsible for creating an environment in which teachers are not prepared to walk the extra mile.

“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,” Kloppers-Lourens concluded.

Yesterday DA leader Helen Zille lashed out at Sadtu, an ANC alliance partner, during the party’s education seminar in Mpumalanga.

Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga last week blamed poor school results on the lack of discipline among teachers.

Attempts to reach the union for comment proved unsuccessful.