The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) wishes its dedicated Affiliate, the South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) a successful and productive 10th National Congress.
The Congress will be held at the Birchwood Hotel & Conference Centre, Boksburg from the 25 to 28 September.
The National Congress comes at a time when the teachers’ union and its members are facing several challenges. The Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act has been partially signed, leaving out the two clauses widely believed crucial to the legislation.
As it blindly continues down the path of austerity, the government of national unity has now convinced itself that there is nothing wrong with slashing the number of teachers who bear the huge responsibility of moulding tomorrow’s generation.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile is due to deliver the keynote address at the Congress. The Federation and SADTU will be listening keenly for signals of how the 7th Administration truly perceives of the teaching profession.
The National Congress of COSATU’s militant Affiliate, SADTU, sits once every five years to adopt policies in line with its aims and objectives; elect national office bearers; consider and decide on amendments to the constitution; consider financial reports including auditors’ reports; and reports from the National Executive Committee and National Office Bearers.
Almost 2 000 delegates are expected to attend from all nine provinces, sister unions locally and internationally, and other stakeholders. COSATU wishes SADTU a successful and fruitful Congress and trusts it will emerge invigorated and ready to defend the hard-won rights of its members and push back on whatever scheme the GNU will dream up next.
Issued by COSATU
Zanele Sabela COSATU National Spokesperson
Mobile: 079 287 5788 / 077 600 6639
Email: zanele@cosatu.org.za