Isaacs stands tall among educators who’ve ‘lived for their kids’

I REALLY don’t want to get into a polemic with Adiel Ismail, but really his letters of 25 April and 14 September indicate an extremely poor knowledge of what is happening in (or at school) education.

Firstly, the concept of democracy as seen by Ismail is exactly what the Brian Isaacses of this world have a problem with. Isaacs is not pursuing a personal agenda; he is fighting for an equitable society for all citizens of this country. If the faction that Ismail represents cannot see this, then there is obviously no hope for them. The freedom and equality in education for which Isaacs is fighting is subservient to the struggle for the indivisibility of all freedoms in South Africa.

Parity in salaries was achieved in the mid-1980s and not, as Ismail would have us believe, after 1994. However, the members of the Teachers’ League of South Africa (TLSA – Brian Isaacs was a member) demanded equality in education since taking the “new road” in 1943.

By this they meant compulsory, free and equal education for all.

It is the duty of the state to provide such education, from pre-primary levels to matriculation, with free textbooks, stationery and school equipment, free meals and access to adequately trained teaching staff. In addition, it is the duty of the state to provide such learners with sponsored transport to and from schools and other learning sites. These should include adequately stocked libraries, computer rooms, free internet access, science laboratories and sports facilities, with annual budgets to increase and maintain stocks and facilities.

The learner-teacher ratio of which so much mention is made in Ismail’s letters should not exceed specified norms, which at all times should be conducive to proper learning by pupils. In Cuba, the learner-teacher ratio is 1:20 in primary schools and 1:15 in high schools, with teacher assistants at every level. Cuba has one of the better education systems in the world.

The twin scourges of illiteracy and innumeracy must be eliminated. Adequate provision must be made for Adult Basic Education, to ensure special education facilities for inclusive education.

This is what Isaacs and others have been struggling for.

Ismail, in quoting statistics on the numbers of learners and teachers at schools (and I do believe the statistics to be correct), communicates the actual reason Isaacs was charged. Isaacs opposed the debasement of education. No more serious indictment can be made on the crisis in education by just merely looking at the statistics quoted by Ismail. The WCED, as surrogate, and the NDBE are guilty of creating the crises that exist in education. How is true education possible under these appalling circumstances?

According to Ismail, the WCED offered Isaacs a horse deal to retire with full benefits. What poppycock! Do they think Isaacs will be so gullible as to accept the 30 pieces of silver? He is an educationist, not a politician. Whilst this retirement package may have benefited him personally, he had supporters at South Peninsula to consider.

To Debbie Schäfer, who was present when Harold Cressy High School was declared a Heritage Site and who, in her speech at the school, lauded Edgar Maurice for his vision and his clarity of thought, I recommend that she reads Maurice’s Colour Bar in Education. Victor Ritchie, who she eulogised in the same vein, taught at South Peninsula (without any cost to the school or the department).

And you found Isaacs guilty? Are you aware of the unwritten rules and regulations at a well-run, disciplined school that are unique to schools like South Peninsula?

What Isaacs stood for will be remembered by all democrats.

Livie Mqotsi, Kies, Van Schoor, Maurice, MP Giyose and now Isaacs, amongst thousands of others, stand tall amongst educators who have “lived for their children”. Hamilton Petersen Uitenhage