IFP PRESS STATEMENT BY:
MR ALFRED MPONTSHANE MP
IFP SPOKESPERSON ON EDUCATION

26 June 2007

The Inkatha Freedom Party's Spokesperson on Education, Mr Alfred Mpontshane MP, today expressed his anger and concern with reports that members from the South African Democratic Teachers' Union (SADTU), were intimidating members of the National Professional Teachers' Organisation of South Africa (Naptosa), at independent schools. 

"I am aware of instances of intimidation at independent schools in KwaZulu-Natal where members of Naptosa tried to return to work, but they were prevented to do so by members of SADTU picketing outside a school," said Mr Mpontshane. 

"I am sure that there are currently similar situations at schools across South Africa. It is unacceptable and disgraceful. 

"Naptosa has got 50,000 members of which some of the members belong to independent schools. So when teachers from Naptosa, at an independent school, are prevented to return to work by a Cosatu union, we must condemn these actions in the strongest possible way. We call on government and unions to intervene urgently. 

"Democracy means freedom to choose - so let us make sure that democracy is defended and upheld at all times," concluded Mr Mpontshane MP. 

 
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
MR ALFRED MPONTSHANE MP: 083 441 6201
LIEZL VAN DER MERWE: 083 611 7470