Teachers observe chalk-down as Sadtu calls for work-to-rule

DESPITE the national directive from the SA Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu) to work-to-rule, several schools in KwaZulu-Natal are reporting a chalk-down by Sadtu teachers.

Sadtu members are demanding the resignation of Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga, and her director-general, Bobby Soobrayan, after the decision to increase payment to matric markers was withdrawn.

Sadtu said that if it did not receive a response from President Jacob Zuma after 21 days, starting yesterday, it would initiate a full-blown strike.

Sadtu spokeswoman, No- musa Cembi, said that when they first voiced their grievances, they outlined that they would go on strike only if the work-to-rule, picketing and protesting did not work.

However, several schools in the province are reporting chalk-downs.

Vee Gani, chairman of the KZN Parents’ Association in the South Durban region, said he received a flyer from his son’s Chatsworth school stating it was a chalk-down and that pupils were being supervised in certain subjects.

“There is inconsistency with the message from a national level and what’s happening provincially.

“Sadtu instructed teachers to work-to-rule, so there should be teaching in the schools,” said Gani.

He said it was the children who were paying for the mixed messages.

Reginald Chiliza, the chairman of the National Association for School Governing Bodies, echoed Gani’s position.

“I’ve been receiving a number of phone calls from parents who said there is no teaching happening, a number of them in uMlazi,” said Chiliza. “The order was workto-rule, but some teachers in KZN are acting contrary to that decision. I don’t know as parents what we’ve done that our children must be punished.”

Sadtu’s KZN secretary, Mbuyiseni Mathonsi, said there was no strike action taking place. “Teachers must work according to regulations,” he said.

KZN Department of Education spokesman, Muzi Mahlambi, said the department had not received any complaints about chalk-downs in KZN schools.

Head of department, Nkosinathi Sishi, said a council of education ministers’ meeting was being held today with all the relevant MECs and heads of department attending. “We are heading for a big decision on how to move forward; I am optimistic that we will reach some solution.”