The DA is calling on both the Gauteng Premier, David Makhura, and the Gauteng Department of Education MEC, Panyaza Lesufi, to intervene with immediate effect to stop the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union’s (SADTU) illegal strike that is disrupting schooling across the province.

SADTU’s affiliated teachers absenteeism and bunking classes has had, and continues to have, a negative impact on the education of our learners.

During the DA’s visit to Eldorado Park Secondary School today, we were shocked and disappointed to see learners from Silver Oaks Secondary School protesting at the gate of this school during school hours.

It is very disappointing that SADTU is now involving learners in their agenda of bunking classes.

We have been informed that out of the 28 teachers that have been absent from school due to the alleged racially motivated fight with the principal, only 11 teachers have not reported back to the school.

There are allegations that these absent teachers are reporting to the district office when they are supposed to be working. This is totally unacceptable as the teachers are paid to teach not to report to the district offices that have now become a norm.

Furthermore, schooling was disrupted at Lakeside Estate Primary in Midvaal when learners were sent home at 12:00 pm today due to SADTU - yet again - calling a meeting during school hours.

SADTU considers its actions heroic for disrupting schooling, particularly in township areas it dominates. Every time SADTU is on strike, our poor children suffer the most, something which can no longer be tolerated.

The DA is demanding that both the Premier Makhura and MEC Lesufi must act with immediate effect to ensure that this illegal SADTU strike is called off and learning and teaching resumes.

SADTU is holding the education of our children to ransom.

The DA believes that access to basic education is a fundamental right of our learners as enshrined by the Constitution. We will not fold our hands and be silent when the ANC-led government administration is putting the future of our children at risk.

The success of our youth and quality education requires Total Change and new government led by the DA.

 

Issued by DA