MKP seeks accountability from SADTU following teachers' absence from classrooms

The Umkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) has called for a comprehensive investigation into the actions of teachers affiliated with the South African Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu) who participated in Women's Day celebrations, raising concerns about adherence to procedural protocols.

This move comes after the curriculum disruptions that occurred across KwaZulu-Natal last week as many teachers prioritised union festivities over their teaching responsibilities.

Willies Mchunu, the provincial chairperson of MKP, stated unequivocally that the organisation intends to uphold accountability. “Ours is not merely to ensure if the right procedures were applied; we would like to ascertain if the principal, school governing body, and the parents were informed on time,” he expressed.

He emphasised that any failure in this regard would highlight flaws in the processes that dictate school-related activities.

The absence of teachers at numerous institutions, including Stanger Manor Secondary and Glenhills Primary, where parents were notified that normal schooling would not occur, has prompted backlash.

Parents have been left questioning the prioritisation of union events over their children’s education, which has been a cause for alarm among various political parties.

Sakhile Mngadi, the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) provincial education spokesperson, blasted the stance taken by teachers and demanded that learners deserve teachers committed to their education.

He remarked, “This is not an isolated case; it is the coordinated abandonment of learners across KZN, sanctioned by SADTU and tolerated by the province's Department of Education.”

Mngadi confirmed that the DA would escalate the matter to the South African Council for Educators, demanding disciplinary action against any teacher neglecting their professional obligations.

In a pointed critique, he said: “Instead of safeguarding our children's right to education, schools are being left to collapse into chaos so that a union can host a party. Teachers are entrusted with the duty of care and instruction, not to desert classrooms for union festivities.”

His comments echoed the growing frustration among parents and stakeholders who were concerned about the ongoing influence of SADTU over the education system.

The circulars doing the rounds at various schools warned that learner safety could not be guaranteed while educators were engaged in union activities at Stanger High School.

These written notices serve as a clear indication of the dereliction of duty that has sparked widespread concern.

Attempts to obtain comments from SADTU’s provincial secretary, Nomarashiya Caluza, and the Department of Education's spokesperson, Muzi Mahlami, were unsuccessful before publication.

DAILY NEWS