Sadtu and Nehawu strike continues in Ermelo

The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (Sadtu) and National Education Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) are on a provincial strike since last Tuesday to protest the Department of Education’s budget cut and the more than 1 200 administration posts not filled.

Teachers and administration staff of the unions downed tools and protested outside the department’s offices, resulting in township schools closing early.

“Administration posts are not filled and our existing employees are overloaded with work, resulting in a backlog of work that can be avoided if these vacancies are filled,” said regional secretary Musa Luthuli.

He added that the vacant posts include critical positions in district offices and lack thereof contributes to the curriculum not being met which ultimately leads to the quality of education suffering.

Sadtu secretary in the Gert Sibande District, Mcalisi Mkhwanazi, echoed Luthuli’s words, saying until the termination of a moratorium on office-based posts, the picketing in this district will continue.

One of demands was the re-establishment of the budget which was reduced to 0 per cent, with Mkhwanazi saying it affected the day-to-day running of the department.

“Our employees cannot work if there is no money.  We can not operate in the offices, in the school offices and that affects the running of schools which will affect the learners,” said Mkhwanazi.

Meetings between the unions and Department of Education continue, with the unions insisting the strike action will continue until all their demands are met.

At the time of going to print on Tuesday, Luthuli said a meeting was scheduled with the employer to find resolutions.

The strike comes as learners gear up to write the June examinations with Grade 12s starting next week.