Johnathan Paoli
THE National Executive Committee (NEC) of the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) has expressed disgust at the DA’s unreasonable demands for ministerial posts and accused it of applying double standards by demanding to appoint director generals (DGs) while speaking ill of cadre deployment.
SADTU General Secretary Mugwena Maluleke updated media on the union’s NEC second ordinary meeting of the year at the Emperors Palace Convention Centre last week under the theme “Actively advancing socio economic gains of our democracy” which underscored efforts to promote youth development including through sport which is recognised as a tool to empower youth by offering opportunities for growth and investment in their future.
Maluleke said DA Federal Council Chairperson Helen Zille demonstrated the underlying white supremacy of the party.
“She eloquently articulated her baaskap mentality that the DA is in charge and will determine which ministries it wants, and the deputy ministries will have cabinet credentials while the rest of the deputy ministers will remain outside the cabinet,” he said.
Maluleke said the NEC was reminded that the DA’s manifesto declared war against SADTU by lamenting that the union was too strong and must be dealt with.
“The DA demanding the Basic Education ministry has nothing to do with a commitment to the nation to ensure quality and equitable education but to destroy the organisation of teachers and their communities under SADTU,” Maluleke said.
The latest demands formed part of the DA’s attempt at undermining progressive transformation and said the party was working with the West to manipulate the Rand, causing the economy to bleed jobs.
“They must become the opposition and those who put the interests of our country first should continue negotiating to find a solution. We cannot tolerate being dictated to by the markets because we have to fight and return the country to its rightful owners,” Maluleke said.
He said the NEC has resolved to fight the DA with everything the union has, and was determined to be the vanguard of education as a potent force to empower the masses to restore the dignity of the nation, in particular, the African people.
Maluleke confirmed the union’s intention to mobilise the masses to unmask the stereotypes that the DA employs to justify the entrenchment of the colonial education system where the poor and working class must accept inferior status.
South Africa has been anxiously awaiting the announcement of the new Cabinet, following delays after negotiations between the ANC and coalition partner, the DA, reached a stalemate.
The union has joined other Tripartite Alliance members in condemning the demands from the DA. Congress of South African Trade Unions and African National Congress (ANC) first deputy secretary general Nomvula Mokonyane also voiced their dissatisfaction with DA’s demands for more Cabinet positions.
“It is like they are imposing what they believe is good for them. They must actually appreciate that we all serve at the behest of the president in line with the Constitution,” she said.
However, it has been reported that the ANC has struck a deal with the DA, in which the party will receive six portfolios and seven deputy positions, with the Inkatha Freedom party receiving three portfolios, while the Patriotic Alliance and the GOOD party getting one each.
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