IFP RESPONSE TO RECKLESS STATEMENT BY SADTU

I have read the statement by SADTU (KwaZulu Natal) wherein they are calling for the expulsion of the IFP from Parliament, with dilapidating fear. I fear for the future of our children, and for our education.

Mathonsi lacks the basic understanding of the concept of democracy. Since when did political parties' representation depend on parties having held their conferences? My advice to Mathonsi: read the Electoral Act and the Constitution of the country! The IFP's political conduct has definitely not broken any of the above Acts. If Mathonsi has more time, as I think he has, he must also read the IFP's Constitution. He must learn to respect other parties' integrity!

The IFP upholds the union's right of free speech, but as Mathonsi would testify, free speech does not equal licentiousness. SADTU is first and foremost a teachers' union, not a political party. As a union it has very pressing matters to contend with. We are, for example, ranked last in the world in many areas relating to our education system, in maths and science for example. Our learners are writing their exams and this seems not to occupy SADTU's mind at all!

Some provinces, the Northern Cape for instance, have yet to receive their text books! The Director-General of Basic Education is under investigation in relation to the book debacle in Limpopo! School violence is on its ascendancy. In all this, SADTU has remained mum. Instead it chooses to dwell on matters it understands the least! They should hang their heads in shame!

Statement issued by Alfred M Mpontshane, MP, IFP spokesperson on Education, November 5 2012

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