SADTU warns Basic Education over resumption of schools
The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (Sadtu) warns it will not hesitate to pull its teachers from schools if the Department of Basic Education fails to provide the necessary protective equipment.
Basic Education Minister Angie Motsekga announced on Tuesday that schools will reopen in phases from June 1.
Pupils in Grades 7 and 12 will be the first to return to the classroom.
However, Sadtu’s Nomusa Cembi has accused the department of consulting in bad faith and says this has led to the loss of trust from the union’s side.
"The department has been consulting for formalities and not for alternative ideas. As a result, our level of confidence is low but we are going to give them the benefit of the doubt."
The union will monitor developments over the next ten days and when schools reopen.
"We are going to be vigilant in monitoring the delivery of the non-negotiable that are in line with Covid-19 regulations, and if there is no compliance we won't hesitate to tell our members not to report for duty. We reiterate that the health of our members and support personnel remains a key priority," adds Cembi.
The union's demands include the fumigation and disinfection of schools, proper school infrastructure in the form of proper toilet facilities, observance of social distancing inside the classrooms and on court yards, reduction of class sizes and provision of soap, sanitisers and masks.
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