‘Sadtu members destroy basic education’
The Democratic Alliance (DA) on Sunday blamed the “ill-disciplined” South African Democratic Teacher’s Union (Sadtu) for hampering basic education.
“Improving education is South Africa’s biggest challenge, and Sadtu’s role is a stumbling block in the process,” said DA basic education spokeswoman Junita Klopper-Lourens in a statement.
She said that schools were treated as “personal fiefdoms” by Sadtu members who strike for “trivial” reasons.
“The DA visited Emmang Mmogo high school in the Northern Cape, which achieved a 38% matric pass rate.
“We were blocked at the gate by the principal and regional director. Clearly there is a reign of terror.”
Klopper-Lourens said that senior officials are threatened with death if they go to work.
“A certain faction linked to Sadtu is not prepared to accept [these officials] being appointed in their current positions… creating havoc.”
She accused this faction of politicising most educational appointments.
“Sadtu has been responsible for creating an environment in which teachers…arrive late at school or are absent for invalid reasons,” said Klopper-Lourens.
Sadtu could not be reached for comment. - Sapa
admin @ March 1, 2010