The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) in wishes to acknowledge the hard work which went into the recently concluded marking season by SADTU and Department of Education Free State.

We are relieved to learn that during the whole marking process that lasted for almost four weeks, there were only six (6) reported cases of Covid-19 across the 23 marking centres in the province. According to official records all the six markers have recovered, and we really appreciate that

All those involved in marking deserve our respect and we implore them not to drop their guards going forward. The real challenge will be when the schools reopen, and we encourage and implore upon them to keep safe. They still have a lot of work of taking care of young kids when the schools reopen.

We wish to acknowledge the cooperation that Department of Education Free State demonstrated through this season as they remained open to frank and honest engagement throughout.

This is proof that constructive partnership is key to solving many of our problems.

The ongoing loss of life because of COVID-19 is deeply saddening and we call on SADTU to continue to work hard to protect these workers when the schools reopen.

The struggle continues.

Issued by COSATU Free State

Enquiries Provincial Secretary Monyatso oa Mahlatsi @ 051 447 5499 or 076 115 9923