COSATU in Gauteng welcomes the 2019 matric results and congratulate the class of Gauteng of 2019. We salute the teachers, trade unions, public service staff and parents who worked hard to achieve the goal as articulated by MEC Panyaza Lesufi. We also congratulate the districts that made it to the top ten nationally as well in the province. This is proof that no amount of disturbance can stand in front of a collective effort by all stakeholders.
Our special congratulations go to the 59% township schools which performed above 85% pass rate. This is a reflection that our affiliate, the South African Democratic Teachers Unions (SADTU) continues to work hard to contribute positively to education in this province. This also disproves the anti-union propaganda that is being spread around by those who are anti unions. We also want to salute Diepsloot Secondary School 2 for achieving a 100% pass rate with 86% bachelors, Prudence High School for achieving 100% pass rate with 65% bachelors, RusOord High School for achieving 100% pass rate with 70% bachelors and Moditela High School for achieving 100% pass rate with 64% bachelors. We also salute Ilinge Secondary School for achieving an 89% pass rate moving from 52% and Bokamoso Secondary School for achieving a 92.3% pass rate moving from 59% in 2018.
We welcome the initiative of smart classrooms in Gauteng, its impact as reflected by the results is there for everyone to see. Whilst we appreciate the 4th Industrial Revolution which brought smart classrooms and the introduction of the Artificial Intelligences (AI); we call government to not introduce AI in our schools without engaging with our unions.
The year 2019 has been a difficult schooling year for learners and teachers as a result of a growing phenomenon of gangterism and violence in our schools. Teachers and leaners were harassed and killed in school premises and theft has also grown exponentially.
COSATU is calling on all stakeholders to work together to stop the carnage at our schools. It cannot be correct that our schools are burned, and no one is held accountable.
The Federation will be starting a community awareness campaign together with SANCO, the Gauteng Department of Education and the Department of Community Safety on the importance of safety at schools. COSATU in Gauteng urges all community members to work with us to reclaim our schools from criminal elements and vandals.
Issued by Cosatu Gauteng
Provincial Secretary: Louisa Modikwe at 0661822402
Provincial Chairperson Amos Monyela at 0794935002