Union joins religion spat

The trade union Solidarity announced yesterday that it would make an application to become a friend of the court (amicus curiae) in the case involving the right of public schools to follow one religion.

Deputy executive officer at Solidarity Johan Kruger said the application would be made on May 15.

The case arose from a small group of activists who are taking six former Model C schools to court because of their predominantly Christian ethos.

Kruger said it was very important to Solidarity that public schools had the freedom to focus on a particular religion.

“This premise of faith is constitutionally possible, practically feasible and plays an important role in the success of schools across the country,” said Kruger.

He explained that it was not necessary for Solidarity to initially act as friend of the court in the matter, because the South African Teachers’ Union (SAOU) on March 10, 2016, as a friend of the court, strongly endorsed schools’ rights to align with a particular faith.

“The SAOU, however, submitted court documents on February 28 this year, which is in direct opposition with their initial declaration of oath, and which strongly oppose the strong pro-religious premise of their members and member schools,” he said.

“The SAOU’s turnaround left Solidarity with no choice but to act on the matter.”

Kruger said that the SAOU had changed their strategy last Friday by withdrawing from the case.

“Solidarity will continue to act as a friend of the court, otherwise the unique voice of those vocation-driven teachers will not be heard,” Kruger said. – ANA

The SAOU’s turnaround left Solidarity with no choice but to act on the matter Johan Kruger Deputy executive officer Solidarity