unacceptable
5 June 2007
I have received reports this morning that the Blue Downs Branch of the South
African Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu) has issued a pamphlet saying that no
exams should take place at any school.
It appears that this call has led to a number of pickets and demonstrations
outside schools in the area where exams were scheduled to take place. Exams
proceeded at Malibu High School where yesterday disruption took place but did
not proceed at Tuscany Glen and Bernadino Heights Secondary schools. While it
appears that a number of pickets and demonstrations were conducted peacefully,
it is clear that the targeting of schools has the potential to contribute to
tension and conflict.
I call on the provincial leadership of Sadtu to distance themselves from the
call made by their Blue Downs-Eerste River Branch that no exam should take
place at any school. This call clearly impacts on the right of other educators
who have chosen not to participate in industrial action.
I have asked the department to seek legal advice on the possibility of
obtaining an interdict to prevent striking teachers from disrupting schools
where exams are being written. I want to urge schools that are not in a
position to continue with examinations this week to plan them for later in
June. Those in a position to proceed this week should do so.
Enquiries:
Gert Witbooi
Cell: 082 550 3938
E-mail: gwitbooi@pgwc.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Education, Western Cape Provincial Government
5 June 2007
