Minister of Basic Educations written replies to ACDP questions in National Assembly

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY 

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION 684

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPERS: 19/04/2013

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 12/2013)

Mrs C Dudley (ACDP) to ask the Minister of Basic Education:

(1)​What measures are in place to ensure that a national go-slow by the SA Democratic Teachers′ Union (SADTU) members scheduled for when inland schools reopen on Tuesday, 9 April 2013, does not impact on learners negatively;

(2)​will supplementary examinations that were written in February be affected in terms of being marked;

(3)​whether this action is related to a government proposal that education be made an essential service, making it unlawful for teachers to strike; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?​NW850E

REPLIES:

(1) What measures are in place to ensure that a national go-slow by the SA Democratic Teachers′ Union (SADTU) members scheduled for when inland schools reopen on Tuesday, 9 April 2013, does not impact on learners negatively?

The Department has taken measures to ensure that the go slow does not impact on learning and teaching.  Provincial Education Departments have been provided with learning support materials to give to learners and encourage them to use in times like this.

The principle of “no work, no pay” will be applicable to any teacher who is not present at school for a full day or part thereof.  Furthermore, the Department has the Strike Management Plan which put the responsibility on managers and/or principals to ensure that they keep records and data of attendance of educators in their schools during industrial actions. Information provided by managers in terms of the Strike Management Planto their Heads of Education Departments will assist in the application of the “no work, no pay” principle.

(2) Will supplementary examinations that were written in February be affected in terms of being marked?

Supplementary examinations that were written in February have not be affected in terms of being marked.

(3) Whether this action is related to a government proposal that education be made an essential service, making it unlawful for teachers to strike; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?​

This action is not related to a government proposal that education be made an essential service. Government’s proposal that education be made an essential service did not mean that teachers are not allowed to strike, but to make education to become a societal priority.