Latest news with #SouthAfricanDemocraticTeachers'Union
IOL News
12 hours ago
- General
- IOL News
Teacher unions, pupils express cautious optimism ahead of matric exams
The 2025 National Senior Certificate examinations will kick off in October. Image: File WITH the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations set to kick off in October, teacher unions and Grade 12 pupils in KwaZulu-Natal have expressed cautious optimism about readiness while acknowledging the pressures of the final stretch of the school year. South African Democratic Teachers' Union (SADTU) KwaZulu-Natal provincial secretary Nomarashiya Caluza said schools had grappled with resource constraints, particularly at the start of the year due to funding challenges. 'This causes a lot of anxiety among teachers. However, teachers have always been engaged in the classroom, yes with less support sometimes from the department,' Caluza said. She emphasised the importance of subject advisors in supporting and guiding teachers but said there is a shortage of them in the province. Funding challenges also disrupted learning mid-year. 'At some point in June, there were learning disturbances when the union called for payment of basic allocation to schools,' Caluza said. Despite these setbacks, she said teachers were committed to ensuring learners were ready for their final examinations. 'Besides all these, teachers have done their work and are continuing to do so as they prepare their learners for the trial examination,' she said. On exam security, Caluza expressed confidence in the province. 'Fortunately, in KZN, there have never been challenges of security concerns regarding exam papers; we hope that even this year there will be no challenges,' she said. She added that the selection of markers had been completed. 'Selection of markers went well, what is left now is the inspection of marking centres to ensure that all are ready and fit to accommodate our teachers.' The National Professional Teachers' Organisation of South Africa KZN provincial chief executive Thirona Moodley said extra efforts had been made to support learners. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading 'The learners and educators have put in the work. Study camps were held during the school holidays, and some schools worked hard with the learners during weekends. The districts provided support,' Moodley said. She added that technology and independent study had also played a role. 'There is an abundance of online material that students can access to study independently. There is no reason why our learners will not be ready for the final exams.' Moodley said she expected a smooth exam administration this year. 'The examinations in 2024 were run exceptionally well, and we expect the same glitch-free exams this year. Marker selection has been completed, and we are confident they are up to the challenge of marking accurately and within the stipulated timeframes.' Grade 12 learners at Dedangifunde High School in Madadeni shared their feelings ahead of the exams. Sanele Buthelezi said he was not feeling the pressure of the coming exams. 'I do attend extra classes, but I prefer to revise alone using past papers, that is very effective for me. I also take a bit of breaks and listen to music to deal with stress,' he said. Ayanda Magwaza said: 'I'm anxious about the Maths and Physical Science papers, but I feel okay with the other subjects, they're easier. To cope, I usually go for a run to clear my mind,' he said. Both students said they were looking forward to completing high school. 'It's stressful, but we are ready to finish and move forward,' Buthelezi added. THE MERCURY
IOL News
6 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
BELA battle far from over, Sadtu warns
Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has been accused of using the gazetting of the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act regulations to sow confusion, delay the implementation of the Act and advance the DA's political agenda. Image: GCIS THE South African Democratic Teachers' Union (SADTU) has accused Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube of using the gazetting of the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act regulations to sow confusion, delay the implementation of the Act and advance the DA's political agenda. Gwarube recently gazetted the first two sets of regulations under the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act, 2024 (BELA Act) for public comment, saying two regulations, which deal with language and school capacity were designed to ensure that the amendments in the BELA Act were implemented in a manner that upheld learners' rights, enhanced school functionality, and maintained a careful balance of powers and functions between school governing bodies and the government in the management and governance of schools. Further regulations would be released for public comment as soon as they were finalised, vetted, and approved, she said. However, the move has been met with mixed reactions, with the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education among the first to raise concerns that Gwarube may be undermining the intent of the Act through a fragmented rollout of draft regulations and the use of terminology that appears to deviate from the language and purpose of the Act. 'The regulations on admissions, for example, refer to taking into account the demographics and education needs of the 'surrounding community'. In the Bela Act the responsibility for admission policy lies with the head of department (HOD) and is based on the 'broader Education Districts'. This potentially reinforces local demographic homogeneity, contrary to the type of inclusivity the Act intended,' said Maimela. While the BELA Act refers to the broader community in the education district in which the public school is situated, the gazetted regulations instead use the term 'feeder zones' to manage learner numbers and coordinate parental preferences. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The introduction of 'feeder zones' in the regulations deviates from the BELA Act, which references 'education districts', said Maimela. 'This, points to keeping previously disadvantaged learners out via location. Historically it has been linked to exclusion. It seems these regulations are attempting to re-write the Bela Act and re-introduce matters that were unsuccessfully contested in the Bela Act legislative drafting process,' Maimela added. Sadtu said they were still studying the regulations and intended to make their submissions on or before the deadline. 'In June this year, the Minister released guidelines for the implementation of the BELA Act, a move that SADTU strongly rejected as the Act does not empower the Minister to issue implementation guidelines. The Minister is only allowed to make regulations. SADTU viewed the issuing of guidelines as an attempt to sow confusion, delay the implementation of the Act and advance the DA's political agenda against the full implementation of Sections 4 and 5. SADTU will exercise extreme vigilance to ensure that the regulations align strictly with the letter and spirit of the BELA Act,' the union said. GOOD Party secretary-general Brett Herron said Gwarube cannot use the regulations to introduce concepts that undermine or "limit the rights created by Parliament through legislation". Herron added that school language policies remain among the most contested and politically weaponised tools used to preserve historical privilege. 'Regulations must not be allowed to reinforce this. BELA was meant to reform outdated admissions and language policy frameworks and dismantle the spatial, linguistic, and racial barriers that persist in South Africa's public education system. However, the wording of the regulations does not reflect that intention. Instead, the Minister has selectively chosen language that risks entrenching exclusion,' said Herron. Parents for Equal Education South Africa (PEESA) said the organisation had mixed feelings, while they did not seek to strip School Governing Bodies (SGBs) of their power entirely, they believed that reform was necessary to enforce accountability where it had long been lacking. 'The Western Cape was the only province that took real issue with the Bella Bill, they call it centralisation of power, (but it's) because they didn't want to be held accountable for the exclusion, discrimination that they have embraced for far too long. The Bella Bill forces them to account, now we will address real issues such as inequalities, they can't hide behind an SGB anymore. Because for far too long former model C schools have gotten away with the violation of the rights to basic education for all learners,' said PEESA founder Vanessa Le Roux. While Gwarube's office did not respond to requests for comment by deadline, the draft regulations are available on the Department of Basic Education's website and in the Government Gazette No. 53119 and 53120 of 6 August 2025. Comments on the draft regulations must be made by September 30 via AdmissionRegz@ Cape Times
IOL News
04-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
From Classroom to Cabinet: David Mabuza's journey from teacher to Deputy President
Former deputy president David Mabuza dedicated educator and political strategist, leaves behind a legacy of influence in South African politics, remembered for his quiet strength and commitment to national development. Born on August 25, 1960, in the rural heartlands of Phola, Mpumalanga, David Dabede Mabuza began his journey as a schoolteacher and activist in the Black Consciousness movement. Fondly known as 'The Cat', Mabuza climbed the ranks to chair the South African Democratic Teachers' Union (1988-1991), paving his way into provincial politics after 1994. Mabuza was a dedicated activist, seasoned educator, and astute political strategist whose journey through South African politics reflected both steady advancement and notable influence. He began his career in education, first as a teacher and later as a principal. Early on, Mabuza became a prominent organiser within the South African Democratic Teachers' Union (SADTU), where he emerged as a key figure in the late 1980s, advocating for teachers' rights during a turbulent political era. Following the end of apartheid, Mabuza deepened his involvement with the African National Congress (ANC), assuming a series of leadership roles in the Mpumalanga province. He served as MEC for Education and Housing before being appointed Premier of Mpumalanga in 2009, a position he held until 2018.
IOL News
18-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
SADTU halts work-to-rule protest in KZN as Education Department pledges to make outstanding payments
The South African Democratic Teachers' Union (SADTU) in KwaZulu-Natal has suspended its province-wide work-to-rule campaign following a meeting with the Department of Education. Image: Independent Newspapers Archives The South African Democratic Teachers' Union (SADTU) in KwaZulu-Natal has suspended its province-wide work-to-rule campaign following a meeting with the Department of Education earlier this week, where the department committed to paying outstanding school allocations and resolving examination disruptions. SADTU said the meeting with Head of Department, GN Ngcobo and his top management followed engagements with the Premier, who pledged R900 million in emergency funding to address the ongoing education crisis. 'The mere commitment by the Premier to assist the department with R900 million does not automatically remove the reality that schools have no money and are waiting for the allocation from the department,' the union stated. According to SADTU, the department committed to making payments to schools by July 4 and July 31. 'Upon receiving the Premier's committed money, the employer will make payments to schools,' the union said. In addition, SADTU confirmed that the department would address the backlog in 2024 basic and Learning and Teaching Support Material allocations as it receives its equitable share from the National Treasury. The union also welcomed the revised mid-year examination timetable, which resumes on June 18. 'Schools that do not have the necessary resources to administer the June examination will be assisted by the department through printing enough examination papers for all affected schools,' SADTU said, adding that it supports the revised schedule. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ However, SADTU criticised the department's policy on compulsory common tests for underperforming schools. 'Forcing schools to write common tests undermines the intellectual capacity of teachers who teach but get denied the opportunity to assess their learners,' the union said. It further challenged the department's assertion that high-performing schools requested to write the tests, saying 'this is far from the truth as schools are forced to write these tests.' The department's internal memo dated June 17 confirms that schools with a 2024 NSC pass rate of 85% or less 'must adhere to the revised common test programme' while those above 85% that 'voluntarily requested' to participate must also comply. 'The writing of common tests is costly to the Department and remains unjustifiable, especially during this financially challenging time,' SADTU noted. The union said the department agreed to convene a meeting by June 27 to discuss standardised testing. In conclusion, SADTU announced the suspension of its work-to-rule action. 'The union leadership will continue to have meetings with the department as a way of monitoring the implementation of the decisions and commitments done by the employer,' it said. 'We thank our members for their commitment… Everyone knows that without their effort and dedication on the picket line, we would not have scored these victories for our schools.' THE MERCURY
IOL News
16-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Sadtu calls for urgent measures to address youth unemployment
The South African Democratic Teachers' Union (Sadtu) said it salutes the youth of 1976 for their bravery, unity, and undying spirit. This year's Youth Month is observed under the theme: 'Skills for the Changing World – Empowering Youth for Meaningful Economic Participation.' To fully grasp the significance of 16 June, one must understand the bleak landscape of South Africa in the 1960s and early 1970s. This day pays tribute to the brave young people who, on June 16, 1976, rose in protest against the apartheid regime's imposition of Afrikaans as a medium of instruction in black schools. Armed with nothing but courage and stones, they confronted the brutal machinery of the apartheid state. Many were killed, arrested, and injured, but their resistance ignited a wave of defiance that accelerated the struggle for liberation. According to Statistics South Africa's Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) for the first quarter of 2025, youth unemployment remains alarmingly high. The total number of unemployed youth rose by 151,000 to 4.8 million. At the same time, the number of employed youth declined by 153,000 to 5.7 million. This pushed the youth unemployment rate from 44.6% in Q4 of 2024 to 46.1% in Q1 of 2025. The union said this year's theme resonates with its 10th Congress theme which emphasise the strengthening of foundational learning and functional skills to advance inclusive and sustainable economic growth. 'For many young South Africans, skills for the changing world are out of reach. Many lack access to quality education and skills development opportunities. Others, despite having qualifications, find that job opportunities are few and shrinking,' the union said. The union said it calls on the private sector to rise to the challenge to:. Invest in quality education and training that responds to the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Expand access to vocational, artisan, and technical training. Support youth entrepreneurship and innovation. Prioritise youth employment in both public and private programmes. 'As SADTU, rooted in the education sector, we reaffirm our commitment to support initiatives aimed at skilling the youth. But beyond just skills, we advocate for a holistic education system that builds caring, tolerant, patriotic, and socially responsible citizens. To fail our youth today is to betray the sacrifices of the 1976 generation. Let us honour their legacy by empowering today's youth to shape a better tomorrow not from the margins, but from the centre of our society and economy,' the statement concluded.
