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By Johnathan Paoli
The SA Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu) has declared that it is ready to resist the expected austerity measures in the education sector following budget cuts, while at the same fighting for the implementation of the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act.
Speaking during the last day of the union’s 10th national congress in Boksburg in Ekurhuleni, Sadtu president Magope Maphila said that the union, in line with a global campaign of “Go Public, Fund Education”, would do all in its power to fight the cutbacks in services, positions and other resources within the basic education sector.
“We will fight that there are no austerity measures, that our schools are funded and that our teachers are paid in order to build a developed and inclusive society, and ensure that neoliberal policies are something of the past,” Maphila said.
He said that Sadtu, which is the largest teacher union in the country, would demand that funding be made available for the rescuing and retraining of teachers, and that education be prioritised within the national government’s fiscal ambitions.
This follows the announcement by the Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube of a budget shortfall of between R70 billion and R118 billion expected over the next three years.
It is not only limited to teacher positions, but across the board, including nutrition programmes, scholar transportation and early childhood development.
Furthermore, the union issued a stern warning to the minister, saying it would resist any attempt at undermining the implementation of the legislation.
“The non-implementation of BELA is a declaration of war on the part of the minister, and we can fight and teach at the same time,” Maphila said.
Meanwhile, the union announced its national leadership, with all candidates in the top eight retaining their positions.
Maphila and his deputy, Mabutho Cele, have been serving in their positions since 2014, while general secretary Mugwena Maluleke has been in his position since 2009. They will serve for another five years.
Sadtu declared its five pillars of its 2030 Vision. They comprise servicing union members, creating a learning nation, building socialism for the present, creating international partnerships and building a capacity-based organisation.
It said it would facilitate workshops and seminars to further the political education of its members as well as training opportunities to ensure the transfer of both foundational and functional skills for educators and learners.
Maphila called the union’s members to support the African National Congress in the 2026 local government elections, saying Sadtu was a dependable ally that could be relied on.
He recognised that the Government of National Unity was a peculiar change to the political landscape, but called on the ANC and its alliance partners to remain loyal to the transformation agenda.
In closing, the president called for unity within the union.
There were reports discontent among some branches on Sadtu’s position on the GNU and the ‘unopposed’ election of its leadership.
INSIDE EDUCATION