Teacher unions: DBE’s ‘obsession’ with dates causing confusion

Several unions,  including the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (Sadtu) and National Professional Teacher's Organisation of South Africa (Naptosa) on Saturday to consider and discuss the state of readiness of schools to re-open on June 1.

Motshekga has since postponed the reopening of schools to June 8.

The unions say Motshekga never discussed a new date with them during the meeting.

"She committed to responding on May 31, which she did not honour. This is a betrayal of trust and does not bode well for the credibility of the education system.

“We want to put on record that the date of the 8th June was never mentioned in the meeting because the focus was readying the system and ensuring that all the provinces comply with the twelve non-negotiables.”

They say the department’s obsession with dates only leads to confusion.

"The astounding confusion caused by the statement must be condemned because the Department of Basic Education is obsessed with dates and ignoring the evidence of provincial readiness. The lack of appreciation for evidence can only be characterized as irresponsible and negligent.”

They add: "Our position as the teacher unions remains: As a collective, we wish to highlight our rejection of a staggered opening of schools for our children. No school must be left behind, especially not because of incompetence and tardiness.

“Given the historical injustices of the past, it is obvious which schools will be left behind should a staggered approach to schools reopening be followed. This we cannot allow no matter the justification.”

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