Where is SADTU taking us?

Now that the protest action, by way of the unprotected strike by the Ethekwini North Region (Ilembe District) has thankfully come to an end, it is important that all stakeholders evaluate the strike action by educators and the cost particularly to learners who missed lessons for several days.
It is sad that the rule of law; authority and democracy has been challenged and eroded by the action of educators. I have tried to gain the facts on this issue however these are hard to come by – and depend on who you speak to.
Despite that I have come to the conclusion that a handful of union officials are misleading and fooling the mass of educators.
I request that the union officials concerned, union members, DOE and parents take note some of my observations with respect to the union’s action.
If there are grounds for incompetence on the part of the District Director (T. Vilakazi), as alleged by the union, then the authorities concerned (DOE) should look into this matter and have her removed if this be the case. If this matter is not dealt with once and for all then I can forsee a repeat of such disorderly conduct. The community at large is not interested in who the district director is; their interest is in whether the director is doing his/her work!
The union needs to find support and sympathy in the parents and the rest of the community for their fight against the so called “incompetence of the district director”. The fact that the actions of the union received no support speaks for itself. The union is reminded that parents are not fools!
However, I must add that the silence from the parent sector in this matter is disappointing. Parents are reminded that the education and welfare of our children is at stake. Parents are reminded that the action by the union in this district did not have anything to do with the annual salary negotiations – which have been concluded amicably by the parties concerned (thankfully). Remember “evil prospers when good men do nothing”.
The interdict by the DOE, in my opinion, came into force too late – the damage was already done! Now it is incumbent on educators to “go the extra mile” to cover lessons in the interest of the learners. Where was “the interest of learners” two weeks ago?
I am very familiar with what the acronym “SADTU” stands for. What happened to the “democracy” element? Why are educators being intimidated to join you in your strike action. Why are you forcing educators (even those not belonging to your union) out of their schools ?
I am flabbergasted, SADTU. Why this path? You did not start this way and have strayed from your original mandate. It is time that educators stand up against every injustice…even intimidation and look to what is in the interest of our learners. Learners must not be the sacrificial lambs in this matter.
Educators ‘plant a seed’ through their actions and words in our learners. What seed, may I ask, are you planting by your actions, in the minds of these impressionable children in your charge? Mark my words: The seeds that you plant are bound to grow. Today you do not like the face of the one appointed as district director and therefore strike; in the days to come learners who do not like your face will do the very same thing. The “seed principle” never fails – for it is wisely said: “As you sow so shall you reap!”
An investigation into the SADTU strike action in the province of KZN has been commissioned by the national minister of education. It will be interesting to see the outcome of such an investigation.
This is a call for strong leadership from government and particularly the DOE. The rights of learners must never be compromised. Our country needs every educator’s contribution or else we face a bleak tomorrow!
M. SAMBIAH
Stanger
Letter shortened – Editor.