Sadtu and Department of Education at loggerheads

There was no sign on Thursday, June 24 of the South African Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu) who gathered with renewed vigour in front of the circuit office of the Department of Education last week.

Sadtu is dissatisfied with the manner in which Standerton is divided into two circuits, namely Lekwa East and Lekwa West and the circuit manager, Ms Yasmeen Mohamed, is in the middle of the turmoil.

Union representatives addressed the teachers on several days and a language barrier prevented the Standerton Advertiser on more than one occasion from following the gist of the address.

It could however be established early on Wednesday, June 23 that the leadership of Sadtu said they are behind the teachers.

The union representative told the protesters that correspondence, in black and white, is needed about the department’s investigation.

A protester asked whether the possibility exists that teachers could be victimised and intimidated in the process.

“We have lost confidence in the district’s investigation,” the speaker said.

“We remain resolute and can’t come with new allegations.”

He also said their submissions are factual and they are still liaising with the department and the district.

A call furthermore was made to suspend all classes as from June 24 until further notice.

The Standerton Advertiser was referred to Mr Walter Hlaise at the provincial office of Sadtu for enquiries.

A message was left at 09:40 on Wednesday and Mr Hlaise said the following day, that the provincial structure of Sadtu wants the circuit manager to be removed.

According to him, they have intervened and want the department to deal with the matter.

The newspaper was also alerted to their presence at Hoërskool Standerton on June 22 and upon arrival, only a police vehicle was stationary.

A concerned resident asked at noon on social media whether the children were safe.

Children of one mother were troubled about the possibility that picketing could take place at their school.

Mr Jandré Kasselman put minds at rest at 12:02, when he posted a voice clip that no vandalism was taking place.

According to Mr Kasselman, he had a conversation with one of the protesters to get to the bottom of the picketing.

The protesters argued that SHS should not remain open, while other schools are closed.

They also demanded that learners should not attend school, while Ms Mahomed is in office and should go home.

A query as to the logistics of having parents ready to pick up their children, was briefly considered.

As early as April 15, a phone call was made to the spokesman of the department, Mr Jasper Zwane, for comment.

Their previous protest was on March 31 and on April 16, their arrival was punctuated by a piercing whistle.

It goes without saying that the union’s grievances have not been adequately addressed.

Mr Zwane’s response on April 28 was that the Gert Sibande District is engaging with all parties to ensure an amicable solution.

“We are hoping that those involved will soon find one another,” Mr Zwane then said.

A WhatsApp-message was sent on June 22, enquiring an update on the talks held.

The newspaper is awaiting comment.