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The IFP, as the Official Opposition in the KZN Legislature, challenges SADTU to demonstrate its frustration with the KZN ANC Provincial Government - in particular the KZN Department of Education – by divorcing the ANC during the upcoming General Elections.

The IFP notes that SADTU has encouraged its members to engage in a ‘work-to-rule’ protest, which the IFP condemns in the strongest possible terms. The IFP is deeply concerned that the ANC-aligned union continues to act in a way that will destroy the futures of our children. Instead of acting like responsible educators, some members of SADTU have - on numerous occasions - proven themselves to be irresponsible, unprofessional, and unfit to educate South Africa's learners.

While we appreciate SADTU’s demands, we believe that SADTU must use the 2024 General Elections to punish the ANC government, which has failed to address its challenges. Actions speaks louder than words. 

During the elections, SADTU campaigns for the ANC. It is hypocritical of SADTU to now stage a ‘silent protest’. The message that SADTU and the ANC are sending to South Africans is that their primary concern is not the welfare or the education of our children; they are only worried about their own fortunes.

Further, ANC-aligned SADTU members are always deployed as Electoral Officers during elections. We are of the opinion that the fact that SADTU supports the ANC, actively campaigns for the Party, and calls on its members and all South Africans to vote for the ANC, immediately disqualifies SADTU members from holding electoral office, in terms of section 8.2 of the Electoral Act.

Considering these facts, the appointment of SADTU members as Electoral Officers constitutes a flagrant contravention of section 8.2 of the Electoral Act. It violates the constitutionally entrenched notion that the IEC should be independent at all times and should not be associated with any political party.

The IFP calls upon the KZN MEC for Education, Mbali Frazer, to urgently address teachers’ grievances, such as issues related to the payment of financial allocations to schools; payment of pay progression; adjustment of the Grade R stipend and their absorption; grading of schools; decentralisation of post level one appointments; timely appointment of substitutes; and senior management posts. 

Issued by IFP Chief Whip in the KZN Legislature and IFP KZN Provincial Spokesperson for Education, Thembeni Madlopha-mthethwa MPL