Mr J R B Lorimer (DA) to ask the Minister of Basic Education:
(1) Whether any provincial Members of the Executive Council have granted permission for teachers to be away from schools for any period of the day during the school term for trade union events; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) Whether it is the policy of her department to support the closure of schools during the school term for any periods for trade union events; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Answer
1. I am not aware of any provincial Member of the Executive Council that has granted permission for teachers to be away from schools for any period of the day during the school term for trade union events. However, I have requested my department to verify from provincial Education departments whether such permission was granted and the relevant details.
I will provide the information when it is available.
2. No, it is not the policy of the department to support the closure of schools during the school term for any period for trade union events. However, if the Honourable Member has such information, I will appreciate to have details thereof in order to conduct investigations and take appropriate action where applicable.
Source: Department of Education (http://www.education.gov.za/)
