Unions welcome Frazer as new KZN Education MEC

TRADE unions in Kwazulu-natal welcomed the appointment of Mbali Frazer, a former teacher and unionist, as the new MEC for Education.

The SA Democratic Teachers Union’s (Sadtu) provincial secretary Nomarashiya Caluza said Frazer “is a teacher by profession, which means she also understands the department”.

“She is also a unionist and we expect that she will be able to work with the unions. We wish her well, though we are still to hear what her priorities are,” Caluza added.

Caluza thanked former MEC for Education Kwazi Mshengu for stabilising the department.

“Mshengu did very well as the MEC; he leaves behind a department that is stable and functional in all respects. As Sadtu we worked very well with him, and I believe that is the view that may be shared by all other unions in education. He has been able to help unite and work with all stakeholders. His leadership allowed us to navigate through very difficult times, including managing Covid-19. His honesty when discussing issues made him the best.

“While dealing with retrenchments, which were purportedly as a result of budget cuts, he was always clear that retrenchments would not assist the department, hence they were not implemented,” she said.

The National Professional Teachers' Organisation of South Africa’s chief executive officer Thirona Moodley said: “We welcome the appointment of the MEC and we will support her considering that she is coming from a school background, and we are confident that she will understand the challenges on the ground and in the schools.

“We hope that this change in the political leadership in the department of education does not bring any distractions with the planning and administration of the matric exams for 2022.”