POPCRU concerned about the Department of Basic Education’s leaked Ministerial Task Team Report

15 May 2016

The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) finds it unacceptable that the Ministerial Task Team (MTT) that is commissioned by the Department of Basic Education to investigate the trading of posts for cash is being used to damage the name of our sister organisation, the South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) instead of focusing on what its founding objectives are.

We are of the view that education remains an apex priority and it is in the best interest of all South Africans that the truth regarding the Ministerial Task Team (MTT) inquiry comes out. However, SADTU and her membership  have a right to be heard where allegations have been made, and a Ministerial Task Team that works with the media to leak reports even before all processes are concluded serves a different purpose from which it was meant to achieve.

Some of the alleged comments which seek to delegitimise SADTU due to their affiliation to COSATU, which is in alliance with the African National Congress (ANC) and the South African Communist Party (SACP), are in themselves part of a consistent attack on the unity of workers aimed at weakening the federation COSATU, but further, undermining workers’ bargaining power.

It exposes itself to be the driver of a separate agenda and all South Africans must be worried as this is clearly a missed opportunity to address some of the real challenges faced by our education.

Issued by Richard Mamabolo, POPCRU Media and Communications Officer, 15 May 2016