By Staff Reporter
The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) has expressed disappointment with the seventh administration cabinet announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa, particularly with the appointment of the new Minister of Basic Education. While President Ramaphosa highlighted experience and skills as key attributes of his cabinet, SADTU believes this is not true for the Minister of Basic Education.
SADTU acknowledges the President’s prerogative in appointing ministers and deputy ministers. However, the union is troubled by what it perceives as undue influence from the Democratic Alliance (DA) in these appointments. Leaked letters suggest that the DA demanded specific ministerial posts, including Basic Education. SADTU condemns this perceived arrogance and racist attitude, warning that it sets a dangerous precedent that threatens democracy and social cohesion.
The union is particularly concerned about the appointment of Siviwe Gwarube from the DA, noting the party’s long-standing antagonism towards SADTU. The DA’s election manifesto explicitly targeted SADTU, accusing it of being too strong and blaming it for the failures in the education system. SADTU rejects this narrative, asserting that it does not appoint personnel but ensures fair processes in the best interests of education and communities.
SADTU’s commitment is to social justice, equitable, and quality public education. The union emphasizes that educators’ academic and professional freedoms must be respected, and their labor rights protected. SADTU criticizes the DA for not acknowledging the impact of colonial and apartheid education systems, which entrenched inequalities, and for unjustly blaming SADTU, teachers, and learners.
Reaffirming its stance, SADTU’s National Executive Committee resolved at their recent meeting to mobilize against the DA’s stereotypes and narratives, which they believe justify an inferior education system for the poor and working class. The union demands recognition and collaboration from the new Minister to deliver quality public education, emphasizing that nothing about teachers should be decided without teachers.
SADTU also acknowledges the appointment of Nobuhle Nkabane as the Minister of Higher Education. They urge her to challenge the resistance to decolonizing curricula, root out corruption in higher education institutions and SETAs, and address the issues within NSFAS and TVET colleges. The union stresses the importance of collective bargaining over mere requests.
SADTU calls for a cooperative approach to ensure labor peace and the advancement of quality education in South Africa.
