The main teachers’ union’s national structure has warned it will come down hard if school governing body (SGB) elections are disrupted in the Eastern Cape this month.
Staff affiliated to the Eastern Cape branch of the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (Sadtu) at the provincial education department’s headquarters in Zwelitsha had threatened to disrupt the SGB elections.
On Saturday, Department of Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga launched a national campaign for SGB elections at Mphakane Naughty Boys School grounds in Molemole, Polokwane.
The elections are scheduled to take place at schools across the country until March 28.
Sadtu secretary-general Mugwena Maluleke said the union would take disciplinary action against those who attempted to disrupt the elections.
“We have a provincial task team in the Eastern Cape that has been introduced to the department. Those that we have disbanded no longer have authority. It will be unconstitutional in terms of the Sadtu constitution for members to embark on such action.
“We call upon members to ignore calls made by those disbanded members , failing which we will have no choice but to institute our disciplinary code,” Maluleke said.
Last month, the national body disbanded the provincial executive committee following a fallout over the election of Aaron Mhlontlo as provincial leader.
Unhappy with the province for electing Mhlontlo, the national body suspended him. He now faces a disciplinary hearing for supporting expelled Sadtu leader Thobile Ntola.
Eastern Cape education acting head of department Ray Tywakadi said senior management of the department had not been officially notified of any possible disruption of SGB elections.
“We are aware that they did threaten to disengage working with the department. But we have received a letter from the national leaders saying that we will be working with the provincial task team now that the provincial structure has been disbanded.” — msindisif@dispatch.co.za
Sadtu warning on governing body elections
Staff affiliated to the Eastern Cape branch of the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (Sadtu) at the provincial education department’s headquarters in Zwelitsha had threatened to disrupt the SGB elections.
On Saturday, Department of Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga launched a national campaign for SGB elections at Mphakane Naughty Boys School grounds in Molemole, Polokwane.
The elections are scheduled to take place at schools across the country until March 28.
Sadtu secretary-general Mugwena Maluleke said the union would take disciplinary action against those who attempted to disrupt the elections.
“We have a provincial task team in the Eastern Cape that has been introduced to the department. Those that we have disbanded no longer have authority. It will be unconstitutional in terms of the Sadtu constitution for members to embark on such action.
“We call upon members to ignore calls made by those disbanded members , failing which we will have no choice but to institute our disciplinary code,” Maluleke said.
Last month, the national body disbanded the provincial executive committee following a fallout over the election of Aaron Mhlontlo as provincial leader.
Unhappy with the province for electing Mhlontlo, the national body suspended him. He now faces a disciplinary hearing for supporting expelled Sadtu leader Thobile Ntola.
Eastern Cape education acting head of department Ray Tywakadi said senior management of the department had not been officially notified of any possible disruption of SGB elections.
“We are aware that they did threaten to disengage working with the department. But we have received a letter from the national leaders saying that we will be working with the provincial task team now that the provincial structure has been disbanded.” — msindisif@dispatch.co.za
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos