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The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) is gravely concerned at reports that more than 50 teachers were not in their classrooms yesterday as they attended two court cases involving SA Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) members in the Protea magistrate court. This is reportedly despite disciplinary action having been taken against teachers who attended previous court cases at the expense of being in the classroom.
This comes at a time when there is a critical skills shortage, when youth unemployment is at an all-time high and when the recent Diagnostic Report of the National Planning Commission recognizes that the education system is failing South African youth. A strong obligation rests on teachers to be in class on time every day so as to ensure that school leavers are equipped with the skills and knowledge that makes it possible for them to either further their education or to find jobs. The lack of commitment by teachers to play their role, which is essential to the achievement of the national job creation objectives, contributes significantly to the obstacles that the youth face in their search for rewarding careers.
SACCI therefore calls on all educators to put the needs of their students first and calls on the Department of Education to take appropriate disciplinary action against those teachers that fail to carry out their responsibilities. SACCI also calls on SADTU not to condone the actions of their members that place the future of those in their care at risk.