11 August 2010

Today the IFP-aligned South African Democratic Students' Movement (SADESMO) noted with great concern that Tuesday's strike action saw at least 90 000 teachers stay away from schools to take part in the countrywide wage strike, to the detriment of thousands of learners countrywide.

SADESMO National Spokesperson, Mkhuleko Hlengwa, said: "We are extremely concerned about this strike and the results it's producing. It is fast becoming a culture in South Africa that before government listens, learners have to suffer first. This comes as no surprise, because the ANC has never really embraced education. We are yet again reminded that the ANC has not deviated from its 'education later' mentality."

A number of disruptions were reported in many schools yesterday and should a solution not be reached, the workers are threatening further strike action.

"We are hoping that a favourable solution will be reached speedily to avoid further and unnecessary academic disruptions. Government should pay up; workers are merely holding the ANC to its pledge of giving people a better life for all. Teachers and other civil servants need better pay and improved working conditions," said Hlengwa.

Noting that the learning process must continue Hlengwa said: "We are calling upon all affected learners to use this time productively and to work in groups in preparation for exams. We are pleading with parents to keep a watchful eye on learners and to assist them where needed."

Hlengwa added: "Had civil servants voted for the IFP, they would not have found themselves in this mess. Cosatu's bedfellow alliance with the ANC is not yielding positive results for the greater good of the country. Cosatu must be independent and rise above politics."

In conclusion Hlengwa said: "It is high time the ANC-led government dance to the music, because South Africans are fast losing patience. Learners should keep learning and government must start to deliver. Their lies have caught up with them."

Contact: Mkhuleko Hlengwa, SADESMO: National Spokesperson, on 083 871 2711 or 073 1667 904.