Union (Sadtu), education ensures safety of exams
10 October 2006
The matric examinations are safe.
This was the announcement by Gauteng MEC Angie Motshekga after discussions
held with members of the South African Democratic Teacher's Union (Sadtu)
today.
Briefing the media on the outcomes of the high-level discussions, the MEC
said the union members must table their grievances before the end of this week
for the department to take action.
"We are doing this because various organisations asked the department to
protect the 2006 examinations out of fear for major disruption and concern for
the children," said Motshekga.
She reiterated that the people who signed up to act as invigilators
(supervisors) during the matric exams who did not turn up for duty will be
dealt with severely.
The discussion with Sadtu members came after the union threatened to disrupt
the examinations after their calls for the suspension of the department's chief
director Thami Mali was not adhered to since the request was made earlier this
year. The request came after a ghost teacher scam in the department was
unveiled.
Motshekga made it clear that the department would only act on substantial
evidence before taking any action concerning the Chief Director.
"Mali will not be fired unless substantial evidence is given," said
Motshekga.
The department last week obtained an interdict against the Sadtu members
restraining them from striking and disrupting the exams.
The MEC said today that the interdict is being withheld only on condition
that Sadtu keeps to the agreement of not disrupting the exams if the department
promises to look into their request.
"For the sake of our children, we can not allow the behaviour or Sadtu to go
unchallenged," said Motshekga.
The MEC said a series of road shows will be held in all the affected areas
and that the MEC for Community Safety, Firoz Cachalia, promised that his
department would assist in keeping the peace.
Issued by: Department of Education, Gauteng Provincial Government
10 October 2006
Source: SAPA)
