The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) today condemned the announcement by the SA Democratic Teachers' Union (SADTU) in KwaZulu-Natal, that they will join the ANC's election campaign in the province ahead of the 2009 elections.

The IFP also recently denounced the union's call for a "political" strike in support of ANC President Jacob Zuma.

"The IFP contends that as a professional teachers' union, Sadtu, even though they are affiliated to COSATU, should at all times remain impartial in their actions as they are also members of Education International, an organisation that represents nearly 30 million teachers and education workers worldwide. Yet, Sadtu in KZN are now openly biased in their support for the ANC and the IFP therefore argues that they cannot be allowed to serve as presiding officers in forthcoming general elections," said Rev Musa Zondi, the IFP's Secretary General.

While the IFP recognises that the union has the right to side with whoever it pleases, Sadtu has for all intents and purposes abandoned their professional mandate by mobilising support for Zuma.

"As political parties we are about to fight an all-important election, one that will determine the future character of our country. The IFP therefore calls on the IEC, in the interest of free and fair elections, to state unequivocally that political office bearers, activists and trade unions will be barred from acting as presiding officers or employed as electoral staff in the forthcoming election," concluded Rev Zondi.

Contact:
Rev Musa Zondi, 083 440 5966.