"Cosatu is not entitled to hijack the education of children, who desperately need every day of schooling available to them, for this entirely self-interested cause," said DA national spokesman Donald Lee.
"(It) should be shamed of its grossly irresponsible call for a number of critical workers ... in particular teachers, to join its strike action today (Wednesday)."
Cosatu's countrywide strike against rocketing electricity prices has affected a range of services and businesses, including buses, trains, taxis, schools, mining companies, shops and factories.
Lee said the strike was nothing more than a political game and the union federation's attempt to carve out a dominant role for itself it the new political configuration.
Lee said there was absolutely no excuse to deprive children of another day of learning considering that the matric pass rate had been declining steadily since 1980.
In addition, he said, South Africa's worst performing schools covered only 40 percent to 50 percent of the curriculum in any given year.
"(The union federation) was quick to make calls to arms whenever questions of teachers' salaries or benefits are at stake, but is never heard to whisper about the reality of the almost non-existent status of education in the country's most dysfunctional schools."
Lee said transport systems, hospitals and mine workers also bear the brunt of Cosatu's "game-playing."
"All this for a strike which cannot possibly have any effect on rising electricity and food prices."
EMAIL THIS ARTICLE SAVE THIS ARTICLE FEEDBACK
To subscribe email subscriptions@creamermedia.co.za or click here
To advertise email advertising@creamermedia.co.za or click here
