SADTU opposed to Helen Zille's presence at global teacher union federation congress.
The National Executive Committee (NEC) of SADTU, having met from 21-22 June 2011, voiced its strongest objection to the invitation of Western Cape Premier Helen Zille to the international congress of the world's biggest teacher union federation - Education International (EI). The Congress, to be held in Cape Town from 22-26 July, is expected to attract more than 3000 participants from all over the world.
EI is a global federation of 402 unions in more 173 countries and territories. It represents 30 million education personnel. SADTU is an affiliate member and will play a major role in co-hosting the Congress.
The NEC took a decision to write a letter to EI general secretary to voice the Union's objection.
The NEC said Zille's presence at the Congress would be an insult to both the labour movement and teachers because she was a union basher and anti-labour rights. How can she attend a world congress tasked with the responsibility of defending labour rights which she so vehemently opposes and wants wholesale privatisation?
Zille is against collective bargaining and believes in passing legislation to oppress teachers. Zille wants education to be declared an essential service because she cannot recognise the bill of rights that gives teachers the right to strike. How can we recognise a person hell bent on reversing all resolutions that recognise labour as a partner in achieving quality education? We say no to her attendance at the workers' parliament.
Other resolutions taken at the ANC include the following:
On education:
The NEC re-affirmed processes which have been used in previous years to appoint markers for Grade 12 papers. The NEC emphasised the importance of competent markers in order to improve the quality of our education. It also called for the transformation of boards that select the markers to reflect an equitable gender and racial balance.
Annual National Assessments (ANA) be conducted in October to form the baseline assessment for the following year. ANA was launched in February this year in all public schools in Grades 1 to 6 and a sample in Grade 9 to track performance and provide a benchmark for all schools.
The Quality of Learning and Teaching Campaign (QLTC) be implemented in all the provinces. The QLTC cannot be a boardroom matter but a people's campaign to improve the quality of education in our schools; therefore all stakeholders should play their meaningful roles to ensure the campaign's success. The Union will continue to monitor the implementation of the non-negotiables and engage all stakeholders so that a culture of learning and teaching is anchored in our schools.
The implementation of the Curriculum Assessment and Policy Statement (CAPS) be supported through quality training of all teachers and management.
On political transformation:
The NEC resolved to reconvene on Sunday the 26 June to finalise preparations for the Central Committee of COSATU where members will debate political, socioeconomic, international and organisational matters.
On local government elections:
The NEC congratulated SADTU members who were elected to serve in local government as members of the ANC. Some of the members include the newly elected Emalahleni Mayor Salome Sithole and newly elected Umsunduzi Mayor Chris Ndlela. The two were committed members of the National Executive Committee.
The NEC was pleased with the participation of the members within the structures of the liberation movement and that their election in this sphere of governance will speed up delivery of service to all the people of our country.
On Negotiations:
The NEC resolved to request the ELRC to convene as urgently as possible to deal with the salary structure of teachers. This matter has been on the table for more than five years.
That all matters serving at the ELRC bargaining chamber must be finalised as a matter of urgency so that the morale of our teachers can be restored. Improving the conditions of teachers will go a long way towards getting better teaching and the quality of life for all our people.
SADTU's commitment to developing and training teachers has been given a further boost. Oxford University Press has donated R1,5 million to SADTU's Curtis Nkondo Professional and Development Institute.
SADTU took the decision to establish the Institute, with a mandate to enhance professional development, at the Union's 7th Congress held in October 2010.
Statement issued by Mugwena Maluleke SADTU General Secretary, June 25 2011
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