SADTU strikes out at local schools

The South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) strikes, which have been in place since last week at government schools throughout the Ilembe District, made its way into Ballito on Wednesday.

About 20 union members staged an angry presence outside Umhlali Preparatory this morning and demanded the closure of the school.

Principal Astra Russell said the school closed to ensure the safety of the children. Umhlali SAPS were present on scene to monitor the situation. SADTU members refused to talk to the Courier journalist in English, shouting at him to go away and calling him names like “mhlungu.”

The union is demanding that Thembinkosi Vilakazi be removed from her position as regional director for the department of education.

The striking teachers then moved on to Ashton International College, where the situation became more hostile with verbal altercations ensuing between union members, Umhlali SAPS and private security at the school. This quickly turned racial as union members grew angrier at police for being asked to leave the premises.

Captain Maharaj at Umhlali SAPS threatened to charge the union members with traffic violations after blocking the road adjacent to the school, which caused a large build up of traffic and eventually encouraged the strikers to leave.

Some of the SADTU members, whose children attend the schools affected by the strikes, also took exception to their picture being taken as they did not want to be seen in a conflict of interest between the union they represent and the schools their children attend.

“I am warning you – no pictures,” said a SADTU member present outside Ashton as the Courier journalist filmed the events taking place.

Ashton, along with other private schools in the area are not currently affected by the strikes, although SADTU members have promised to return to the school.