The biggest teacher’s union in the Eastern Cape has threatened to begin mass action in the new academic year if authorities cut teaching posts.South African Democratic Teacher’s Union (Sadtu) provincial administrator Chris Mdingi, said they want the department to keep 55796 jobs intact, instead of cutting them to 54747 posts for next year.
Mdingi said the union met with education officials on Monday but did not reach any agreement.
Education MEC Mandla Makupula has been criticised by teacher unions and opposition political parties for cutting the number of posts while the department’s budget for salaries has increased by an amount of R1-billion this financial year.
Schools in Mount Frere have already marched to the department’s headquarters in Zwelitsha, complaining about fewer teachers at their schools and overcrowded classes.
“As for now we are going to meet as the organisation to consolidate going ahead with the plan. We are going to decide on the form of action whether a protest or strike for non-resolution,” Mdingi said.
Eastern Cape education spokesman Malibongwe Mtima said the union had a right to embark on action.
“It is their legitimate right to do. However, they must follow proper labour processes when doing so.” — msindisif@dispatch.co.za
Sadtu vows protest action
South African Democratic Teacher’s Union (Sadtu) provincial administrator Chris Mdingi, said they want the department to keep 55796 jobs intact, instead of cutting them to 54747 posts for next year.
Mdingi said the union met with education officials on Monday but did not reach any agreement.
Education MEC Mandla Makupula has been criticised by teacher unions and opposition political parties for cutting the number of posts while the department’s budget for salaries has increased by an amount of R1-billion this financial year.
Schools in Mount Frere have already marched to the department’s headquarters in Zwelitsha, complaining about fewer teachers at their schools and overcrowded classes.
“As for now we are going to meet as the organisation to consolidate going ahead with the plan. We are going to decide on the form of action whether a protest or strike for non-resolution,” Mdingi said.
Eastern Cape education spokesman Malibongwe Mtima said the union had a right to embark on action.
“It is their legitimate right to do. However, they must follow proper labour processes when doing so.” — msindisif@dispatch.co.za
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