INLSA
Sadtu protesting outside the Basic Education Department in Pretoria. Picture: Oupa Mokoena
Durban – Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga and the SA Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu) – which has been demanding that President Jacob Zuma fire her with immediate effect – have kissed and made up, apparently for the sake of the country’s pupils.
Sadtu said on Monday it had called off its “go slow” and teachers would resume normal teaching.
In a joint statement released after a hastily convened press conference in Parliament, both parties affirmed the importance “of collective bargaining which brings together the collective wisdom of teachers and education personnel in improving employment conditions”.
“The parties are agreed that the dispute must be resolved swiftly in order to bring stability in the system of education and to promote collaboration.”
Motshekga said she remained deeply hurt and offended by a demonstration in which some Sadtu members brandished panties bearing the message “Angie’s underwear”.
She said the matter of the panties remained before the Equality Court because it was a “gender and political” issue, not a teaching matter.
The minister and Sadtu locked horns for weeks after the union called for her and the department’s director-general, Bobby Soobrayan, to be sacked.
Motshekga said she had had a “healthy relationship” with the union since taking over as minister.
“One of the (points of) pride of my term is the teacher training collaboration. In my language there’s something that says: ‘fights are for people who live together’. For me this was just a healthy fight which enables us to live longer,” she said.
Sadtu’s deputy general secretary, Nkosana Dolopi, said the union was satisfied because allegations against Soobrayan were being investigated by the Public Service Commission.
“We will be waiting for the outcome of the work of the Public Service Commission,” he said.
“Any further decisions (will be) based on that.”
Sadtu believed the Public Finance Management Act and other laws had been flouted by the signing of a collective agreement without a mandate, Dolopi said.
It was now easier for the union to engage with the department because the “environment has changed”.
“Our demands for a rural allowance are being attended to. There’s a new environment for engagement. But it’s not a kiss-kiss relationship all the time.”
Motshekga’s deputy, Enver Surty, said the department would withdraw a circular calling for the removal of the rural allowance in Limpopo and re-negotiate with the unions.
The allegations of corruption made against Soobrayan and other officials would be referred to the Public Service Commission by the Department of Public Service and Administration.
“These matters shall be investigated and dealt with diligently as a matter of urgency,” Surty said.
Political Bureau
