Maimane heads to ConCourt over schools, as unions grapple with Motshekga
This comes as teacher unions met with Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga on Friday to discuss a demand that schools close their doors until the Covid-19 peak has passed.
Maimane maintains that the reopening of schools is a violation to the right to life.
“We believe that the reopening of schools is a violation of the right to life of both the teacher and the learner and therefore we have asked the Constitutional Court to consider whether the decision to keep schools open in the midst of a surge of infection in South Africa is rational and legal,” he says.
On Friday, Motshekga did not accede to the demand by unions but instead petitioned them to make submissions to her office.
“The minister indicated to us that we should not expect an answer soon and it’s difficult to make out what to expect, but the reality is that she has to consult with cabinet, with the council of education ministers and also the president himself,” says South African Teachers’ Union CEO Chris Klopper.
ALSO READ: ANC must reverse reinstatement of 'VBS looters' -Cosatu
“We do not support the closure of the academic year, but all unions are saying let us go on a break now when there is a peak and certainly there are things we can save such as reading and mathematics,” National Professional Teachers' Organisation of South Africa (Naptosa) CEO Basil Manuel.
The South African Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu) said it would embark on a program of action if the minister does not adhere to its demands to close schools.