The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) joins the international community in saluting the unwavering dedication of teachers this World Teachers Day. The Federation acknowledges their altruistic spirit to serve, despite challenged education systems across the globe.
This year’s occasion marks the 60th anniversary of the historic signing of the recommendations tabled by the International Labour Organisation and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, concerning the status of teachers. At the core of the set of guidelines, is the intrinsic link between the profession and the responsibility of governments to streamline sufficient funding that will produce well-resourced school networks.
The role of teachers extends beyond classrooms. Their dedication runs through the roots of communities. They don’t shape the future of learners behind millions of desks alone. They assume community work by providing social support and empowering vulnerable groups.
COSATU’s affiliate, the South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU), the country’s largest teacher union, has demonstrated these qualities since its launch on the 6th of October 1990. For the past 36 years, it has advocated for the rights of educators, professional development, and improved working conditions. It has stood as a shield, leading the struggle of rural and urban teachers to the desk of policy makers.
Among its achievements, is the right to collective bargaining, the entitlement to four months maternity leave for teachers and pay parity. The union has also committed to training and development projects that have equipped numbers of principals to better manage and lead their schools.
It is also imperative for the government to refrain from singing praise songs to teachers amid austerity measures plaguing the quality of the country’s education. Budget cuts may be mere numbers to National Treasury. On the ground it cripples the system with overcrowded classrooms, overburdened teachers, infrastructure deficits and vacant posts.
COSATU appreciates the role SADTU has played. Despite the challenges confronting the country’s education sector, the Federation is confident that the union will continue to encourage constructive sectoral interventions whilst challenging existing challenges.
The Federation is proud of the role that SADTU has played in building COSATU and championing working class struggles across South Africa, in particular within the public sector, and in strengthening the Tripartite Alliance with the African National Congress and the South African Communist Party.
Celebrating teachers should equate to a pragmatic and wholistic approach to teaching and learning, capitalising on effective efforts and not defending hindering approaches.
Issued by COSATU
Nonzuzo Dlamini (Communication Officer)
Mobile: 066 194 3619
Email: nonzuzo@cosatu.org.za