By Celani Sikhakhane
Members of the South African Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu) have promised Durban West district education director Thembeka Tembe that they will focus on teaching learners at Intakemazolo Combined School in Hammarsdale.
Tembe intervened after parents protested that the teachers were neglecting their duties by attending numerous union meetings during class time.
One parent, who didn’t want to be named, shared how important the school is in a township that used to suffer from political violence.
“We’re hurt that Sadtu members are ruining our children’s education,” she said. “Many of us are well-educated and have moved our children from former Model C schools to this one because of the good education here, but now these teachers are messing it up.”
Mdu Maphumulo, chairperson of the school’s governing body, said it was painful for parents to see their children sent home as early as 10am because their teachers were busy with union meetings.
“For over two months, our children were not getting proper education. We tried to talk to Sadtu leaders, but nothing changed.
“We then decided we wanted the [education] department to remove these teachers and replace them with unemployed graduates who are eager to teach,” said Maphumulo.
Tembe met with the teachers and warned them that if they kept neglecting their duties, the department would take action against them.
After a meeting with the teachers, Tembe told parents that the teachers had promised to focus on their childrens’ education and to prioritise that over union business.
Pictured above: Angry parents of Intakemazolo Combined School in Hammarsdale wanted to expel Sadtu teachers.
Source: Celani Sikhakhane
