Durban – The DA in KwaZulu-Natal has warned against the interruption of classes owing to teachers attending union meetings, saying this could have a negative impact on the future of pupils.
Imraan Keeka, a DA member of the provincial legislature and the party’s spokesperson on education, expressed this concern after a notice was issued by Havenpark Secondary School in Phoenix saying that there would be no classes on Thursday, September 1. This was because the teachers were said to be attending the branch meeting of the South African Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu) on the day.
“We wish to remind parents and guardians that Friday, September 2 will be a normal school day,” read the letter signed by the school’s principal.
Keeka said it was concerning that an entire day of schooling could be lost owing to union activities.
“The stranglehold of unions of holding principals hostage in their office does not augur well for learners. These meetings can be held after school hours.
“While the unions are valid social partners, the working environment must come first. This means that learners must be placed at the top of their agenda,” Keeka said.
He questioned Education MEC Mbali Frazer’s determination to hold unions accountable.
Sadtu KZN secretary Nomarashiya Caluza said everything about the branch meeting was in line with the prescripts of the law.
“Firstly we are guided by the Labour Relations Act and the collective agreement which gives the right for teachers to join unions of their choice,” said Caluza.
She dismissed suggestions that union members did not care about the future of learners, adding that the branch meeting at the school had not been held for three years.
“If there are teachers at the school who do not belong to Sadtu, they can continue with teaching activity,” the provincial secretary concluded.
Attempts to get comment from the KZN Education Department were unsuccessful.