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By Johnathan Paoli
The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) says its upcoming congress will deliberate how to engage the educational landscape of the country under the rule of the Government of National Unity.
Sadtu’s 10th congress in Johannesburg this week will be attended by nearly 2,000 delegates from across the nation, including representatives from all nine provinces, as well as international guests and stakeholders in the education and labour sectors.
Under the theme, “Mobilising the consciousness and uniting revolutionary professionals in strengthening foundational learning and functional skills to advance inclusive and sustainable economic growth in pursuance of a socialist society”, the congress aims to inspire and unite educators in their critical role in shaping an equitable and inclusive society.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile will deliver the keynote address on the opening day, setting the stage for a series of discussions and debates that will cover pressing labour, political, socioeconomic and educational issues.
Supportive messages from representatives of the Tripartite Alliance, as well as the departments of Basic Education and Higher Education & Training, will also be featured.
As the supreme governing body of the union, the congress convenes at least once every five years to adopt policies, elect national office bearers and consider constitutional amendments.
The discussions will culminate in resolutions that will shape the union’s agenda for the next five years.
One of the meeting’s highlights will be the launch of the international education campaign, “Go Public, Fund Education”, which advocates for increased government investment in public education.
This initiative responds to recent austerity measures that have led to significant budget cuts in the education sector, jeopardising the employment of teachers and the availability of essential educational resources.
Sadtu has been in discussions with the higher education minister on the budget cuts.
It is expected that the impact of the Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill will also be discussed.
The congress will conclude on Saturday with the inauguration of the new national leadership and the presentation of its declaration, marking a new chapter for Sadtu as it strives to advance quality education in South Africa.
INSIDE EDUCATION