The National General Elections have come and gone as we march towards SADTU's 9th National Congress
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JUNE/JULY 2019 • VOL 21 • NO 1.
VICTORY: The ANC came out victorious in the 2019 general elections which were seen as the most difficult since the dawn of democracy in 1994. SADTU once again played a decisive role during the
campaigning phase in support of its own resolutions. Members of this leadershi p collective were deployed to various provinces to work in support of the campaign programmes that were developed
towards the elections. In most instances the provincial and national war rooms were resolutely led by SADTU deployees. In the picture,the staff at national office joined COSATU affiliates and
conducted blitzes in Gauteng. Pic by: Nthabiseng Nkosi.
The National General Elections have
come and gone as we march towards
SADTU’s 9th National Congress
By: Cde Mugwena Maluleke, SADTU conditions in our society at large and the of the Union - through their respective milestone that we reached together over
C
General Secretary education sector in particular. Our rallying constitutional structures - will have the the last 5 years, include but are not limited
call in the 7th National Congress was: right to participate in the decision-making to the following:
omrades, members of
“Restoring our revolutionary character as and policy formulation processes.
SADTU, it is once again a • A few years ago during the course
a union of professionals, agents of change Constitutionally, a National Congress
source of great joy for me of this term, the Union relocated to
and champions of people’s education for marks the end of the term for the
to present this edition of its new premises in Kempton Park,
people’s power”. This call was a clear leadership collective currently at the helm
the Educators’ Voice. This the SADTU Village. The facility is
recommitment by SADTU members of the Union. It therefore goes without
publication has since its inception afforded intended to be multipurpose in nature,
to the Union’s founding principles as saying that one of the central tasks of a
us considerable latitude to communicate to eventually benefit all members of
emphatically expressed in the 2030 national congress is to provide a medium
the views and decisions of the Union at the Union and it is the result of a long
Vision. to this National Executive Committee to
varying levels. standing resolution.
A SADTU member understands that account to you as members, the owners of
In 2010, when we met for the 7th • Over the last 5 years, the Union
education does not exist for its own the Union and its basic unit of life.
National Congress, we agreed on a focused on understanding and
sake but rather as a powerful tool in our We can all be proud as SADTU
plan: we called that plan the SADTU developing teacher professionalism
collective efforts to transform our society members, of the journey that we have
2030 Vision. As part of the plan, we through the Curtis Nkondo
for the better. It is for this primary reason travelled over the past 5 year term, it
made a number of central commitments Institute for Professional Teacher
that we will continue to seek better ways certainly was not easy at times but your
which include our resolve to drastically Development, a report to this effect
to improve the machinery that is SADTU, loyalty and love for the Union made it
improve member service, to help in has been produced and our intention
to service her members, to protect and possible for us to grow from strength
creating a learning nation, to help build is to influence the development
fight for them. We link this directly with to strength. It has been a perilous yet
a development orientated nation state, to of progressive education policy.
the fundamental right to education of the worthwhile journey, one that saw us
ensure worker unity and delivery based Furthermore, our institute reached
working class child. ticking a number of substantial and
organisational excellence. no less than 120 000 teachers in
The upcoming National Congress monumental boxes en route to the
We made these commitments in full about three years. The institute’s
affords us an opportunity to embark on realisation of the Union’s 2030 Vision.
view and understanding of the prevailing basket of training programmes
a deep reflective process, every member Comrades, some of the more notable
2 EDUCATORS’ VOICE JUNE/JULY 2019 • VOL 21 • NO 1.
Continued from page 1
includes CAPS, Foundation Phase launching its academic and research country and to contribute to their exploitative collecting/collection?
Training, PLC training, Assessment platform, the SADTU Journal. This economic well-being and their own agencies.
for Learning, SMT Leadership, is a distinctly pioneering way with empowerment. It is also high time that we protect
Intermediate Phase Training and NSC which to view a union in education. • At a time when our federation our future by ensuring that where
Accounting Training. This is SADTU Our understanding is that SADTU COSATU was facing arduous educational literature and or material
emphatically saying, we are part of should be a thought leader in the challenges that could have led to its is concerned, no archaic pieces of
the solution!!! development of progressive education implosion, it took the fortitude and legislation will be an impediment to
• With unrelenting vigour, we had policy. resolve of SADTU to defend, rebuild the acquisition of knowledge. In the
to fight to regain and sustain We cannot be bystanders whilst so- and rejuvenate it. In many local same breath, we must ensure that our
organisational stability in provinces called educationalists, academics offices of the federation, SADTU heritage, the works of our forebears,
such as the Eastern Cape and Free and others formulate policies that is the central pillar around which is given the necessary stature and
State. As comrades would appreciate, we should implement. The journal the operations and campaigns are protection.
some of our provinces were viewed as will afford all sectors of society both hinged on. The union’s unparalleled • The Union has introduced new
fertile ground to establish an internal academic and not, including members mobilisation capacity has more mass communication systems that
rebellion against the Union, but of SADTU, a medium through which often than not assisted the federation embrace the digital advances of our
history has it on record that, SADTU ideas and best practice can be shared with retaining its public image as a times. We now utilise communication
is still here, we are even stronger, taking into account the accepted militant, fighting and campaigning mechanisms that assist the national
more united and are going nowhere. academic/scientific standards. organisation for all the workers. office to disseminate information to
• Our majority in the various collective This, my comrades, is the first of its • Our growing influence on the members directly and more rapidly.
bargaining platforms such as the kind for a union in South Africa and international stage would be difficult We have introduced a hybrid model
PSSCBC, the ELRC and all but one on the continent, in other words, we for anyone to ignore. SADTU has that integrates both direct routes
of the PELRCs has not been eroded want to go beyond rhetoric in our consolidated its leadership role on of mass communication like text
at all. We are still the biggest union effort to positively influence education the international stage through the messaging directly to members, and
in the public sector. This, we believe, policy and curriculum development. work that we do as part of Education various social media platforms. One
is largely due to our effective and • We are pleased to report that the International. SADTU has a very of our provinces has even launched
efficient organising machinery. SADTU Savings and Credit Co- audible voice globally and we are the “SADTU App”, whose main task
The organised labour space has operative (SADTU SACCO) has been able to utilise that space to influence is to facilitate communication with
become increasingly competitive over granted a license to provide banking campaigns at that level. members and to avail resources for
the last few years. We had to compete services to members and employees Some of these campaigns include them that would help with classroom
for membership against breakaway of SADTU. The SADTU SACCO our anti-privatisation of, and in related matters.
pseudo-unions and in some instances will be entirely for members and education. It is often multi-national Comrades, violence in schools remains
against unions from within our own employees of SADTU. companies like Pearson, whose one of our biggest concerns. As we go
federation. The license has been issued in modus operandi is to aggressively to the national congress, we should
The ability to not only sustain but terms of section 40C (2) of the Co- enter into the markets of especially think deeply about the dignity of all
consolidate our significant majority, operative Banks Act 40 of 2007 to developing nations and take over the education workers and learners. The
made it possible for us to defend register as a Co-operative Financial education value chain by offering Union has resolved on the establishment
the fundamental right to association Institution. The Prudential Authority multiple and linked services. They of an ongoing campaign that will touch
and as a consequence collective of the Reserve Bank has issued the even fund bridge academies and so- each and every corner of our land. The,
bargaining. Over the last five years, registration certificate for SADTU called low fee private schools. “#IAmASchoolFan” campaign will invite
this has to be by far the most epic SACCO and this enables us to take They convince governments to all peace loving citizens to join in the fight
battle that we have had to embark on. a big step closer to providing co- acquire learning and teaching against violence in our schools.
Today, we can confidently state operative banking services that will be material from companies related to This fight is for the restoration of
that despite the ambitions of our available to all our 256 000 members their publishing empire; as we speak, the dignity of those in our learning
class and ideological adversaries, and employees. no less than 78% of the revenue institutions. This fight is for the protection
unions have not been reduced to A Co-operative Bank is a non-profit created through the acquisition of of the future of the children. The
organised spectators in the discourse financial institution that provides LTSM goes to non-South African campaign should seek to bring everyone
of the conditions of service of public services to its members who are companies. on board to appreciate that burning of
servants. Securing what we still owners and users. It exercises the A topical discussion currently on the institutions when they demand services
think is a better salary deal for our co-operative principle of democratic global stage is the one related to the such as tarred roads, housing and basic
members, during a time where our member control, in which member- legislative framework on intellectual needs denies the children dignity.
employer was put under extreme owners have a say on how it is property and how it affects the level In our true character as a militant
pressure by the rating agencies to cut governed and managed. Co-operative of accessibility to textbooks for poor and caring union, we are ready to do
the public sector wage bill, is a sure banking generally follows a principle learners for educational purposes. everything that has to be done to end the
sign of the impregnable wall that we of high interest paid in member The big multi-national publishing violence that undermines the dignity of
have built around our right to bargain deposits and low interest on loans. companies are currently standing in our members and our children. We have
collectively. Any profits made (surpluses) are the way of a progressive copyright to develop a zero tolerance approach
Over the above 7% on average returned to the members. amendment bill that, if signed into when comes to violence in our learning
salary increment that we received, we We are taking a long-term view law, means “fair use” doctrine institutions. We are also calling for
achieved our long standing goal to to invest in our members, for our will come into the picture, this localised multi-stakeholder summits on
equalise the pay progression across members and therefore advancing means that the real owners of the school violence to complement what has
the public service at 1.5% per annum their economic well-being. By original intellectual property will been done at national level.
to employees appointed in the service creating the SADTU SACCO, we be protected and benefit from their I hope you will enjoy this edition of your
in terms of all the relevant legislation. seek to address the financial needs talent instead of dying as paupers publication.
• The union is on the verge of of teachers and their families in this due to unscrupulous, parasitic and
Education is a public good!!!
Know more about GEPF
1. Why are GEPF members being 2. As the GEPF members, we are flood- pensions. This guarantees that benefits GEPF pays catch -up pension increases
taxed while working (salaries) and ed by financial advisors encouraging are paid out efficiently, accurately and on to affected pensioners.
even when they withdraw pension us to leave the GEPF because other time, through the funds that are invested
benefits? funds are more lucrative than the responsibly and are accounted for. The GEPF also offers non – contributory
GEPF. How true is this? benefits which members do not contrib-
The South African Revenue Services GEPF is a defined pension fund, which ute for, like the Funeral Benefit, Spouse
(SARS) taxes all forms of income includ- This is not true. The Government Em- means members’ benefits are guaranteed Pension and Child’s Pension. Both
ing pension benefits. The Income Tax Act ployees Pension Fund (GEPF) has got and do not depend on the overall invest- members and pensioners can claim for a
58 of 1962, prescribes the basis on which over 1.2 million active members, more ment performance. This gives its mem- Funeral Benefit while the Spouse Pension
pension benefits must be taxed. The tax- than 400 000 pensioners and beneficia- bers and pensioners peace of mind about is for life, meaning that as long as the
ation for pension benefits on the mode of ries and assets of more than R1.8 trillion. their financial security after retirement. lawful recipient is alive, he / she will
exit from the pension fund, namely; This makes the GEPF one of Africa’s receive the benefit until they pass on.
largest pension funds, thus sustainable Moreover, its benefits are protected
• Withdrawal, for a foreseeable future. against inflation. For example, accord- The above – mentioned benefits
• Retirement, Death or Severance Ben- ing to the fund rules, the annual pension are not offered by any other Fund,
efits GEPF is governed by law (the GEP Law increase to GEPF pensioners must be therefore there is no reason to leave
Proclamation 21 of 1996) which deter- at least 75% of the average increase in the GEPF and join other funds
Depending on the mode of exit the appli- mines what kind of benefits members are consumer inflation in the period 1 De-
cable tax tables as prescribed by SARS entitled to, how to pay for those benefits, cember – 30 November of the previous
will be applicable. and how to invest to safeguard members’ year. When pension falls behind inflation,
JUNE/JULY 2019 • VOL 21 • NO 1. EDUCATORS’ VOICE 3
SADTU leads in the TVET sector
SADTU wishes to put to rest all myths about its relevance in
the TVET Sector since the 2015 migration of TVET Lecturers
The Educators’ Voice is a quartely
publication distributed to 250 000
South African Democratic Teachers’
to the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).
Union members.
By: Mompati Jones Galorale Lecturers is the one that was established Public Basic Education (system).
at the ELRC in 2009 (See ELRC • Addendum to C/A 1 of 2010: To effect
Letters to the Editor: Nomusa Cembi
Collective Agreement(s) 4 & 5 of 2007 the movement of permanently employed
Tel: 011 971 2000 MYTH: TVET Lecturers cannot belong
and the Founding Agreement of 2009). Lecturers from REQV 10, 11 & 12 to
Fax: 011 971 2066/67 to SADTU because they are employed
E-mail: ncembi@sadtu.org.za through the PublicService Act. REQV 13 for salary purposes.
MYTH: Conditions of service for
Post: Postnet Suite 106, Private X5 FACT: The majority of TVET Lecturers • 1 of 2013: Generic Contract of
Lecturers are negotiated at the Bargaining
Aston Manor, 1630 have always belonged to SADTU: Employment. The purpose hereof
Unit of the GPSSBC.
was to standardise the contract of
• When they were employed by the FACT(S): There are no negotiations employment and eliminate the different
Advertising enquiries: Department of Education through the taking place pertaining to the conditions forms of contracts that resulted in
Account manager: Employment ofEducators Act; of service differentiated conditions of employment
Charlotte De La Harpe • When they were employed by FET for TVET Lecturers at the GPSSBC and remuneration packages between
Tel: 011 493 7233/43 Colleges through FETC Act; and currently. To date there is no single Colleges.
Email: charlotte@aqula.co.za • NOW when they are employed through Collective Agreement concluded at the • 2 of 2013: Permanent appointment
schaba@candr.co.za the Public Service Act (post-migration) GPSSBC on behalf of TVET Lecturers. of serving Temporary and Contract
NB.: There is NO legislation in South The current conditions of service for Lecturers who have been in the employ
Design and layout: Africa that dictates to which union the TVET Lecturers emanated from the of further Education and training
C&R Printing Works Pty Ltd employees should belong. It is a right that Collective Agreements concluded at the Colleges for a period of 12 months or
schaba@candr.co.za every employee has as enshrined in the FETC Bargaining of the ELRC in 2013. longer.
info@candr.co.za Constitution of this country. Those Collective Agreements form the • 3 of 2013: Establishing Parity between
basis of the current conditions of service conditions of service (Benefits) of
Printed by: MYTH: There is an established for TVET Lecturers. College appointed Lecturers in Public
C&R Printing Works Pty Ltd Bargaining Unit for TVET Lecturers at (Thanks to SADTU!!!) Further Education and Training
3 View Street, Ophirton the GPSSBC. Colleges, with those employed in the
Booysens FACT(S): There is no Bargaining Unit Refer to the following Collective Public Service.
established for TVET Lecturers at the Agreements: • 4 of 2013: Policy on Recruitment
GPSSBC. The Bargaining Unit at the • 1 of 2010: Establishing Parity of Salaries and Selection for Lecturing Staff in
GPSSBC was established for the Support for Lecturing Staff and Office-based the Further Education and Training
Staff (See GPSSBC Collective Agreement Lecturers employed in the Further Colleges.
2 of 2014). Education and Training Colleges, with • 5 of 2013: Agreement on the Transfer
The only existing Bargaining Unit for the those of Educators employed in the
4 EDUCATORS’ VOICE JUNE/JULY 2019 • VOL 21 • NO 1.
(Migration) of Further Education and January 2016) to the Commissioners and advised ALL of its members never • 6 328 belong to SADTU (59.46%);
Training Lecturers from the Public and Employer(s) clarifying the to sign any acknowledgement of debt
Therefore, SADTU remains the Majority
FET Colleges to the Department of jurisdiction matter, hence the disputes of with the DHET on the pension liability.
Union at TVET Colleges.
Higher Education and Training in terms TVET Lecturers are still being heard at DHET HR Circular No. 8 of 2018 dated
of Section 12 of the FET Colleges the ELRC, and the DHET is still paying 27 February 2018: The employer finally IT’S A FACT!!!!!!
Amendment Act 3 of 2012 and subject levies to that effect. agreed with SADTU’s long standing • 4 314 TVET Lecturers are shared
to Section 197 of the Labour relations argument that all pension liabilitiesthat amongst other unions and the
Act, 66 of 1995. FACT(S): DISPUTES DECLARED AND arose as result of a discriminatory and unorganised. (40.58%)
WON BY SADTU AGAINST DHET ON inconsistent top-up payments to Lecturers
MYTH: The ELRC does not have BEHALF OF TVET LECTURERS: appointed on promotional posts, should be OTHER INTERESTING FACTS…
jurisdiction over TVET matters. • Settlement agreement reached by borne by the Employer. Please refer to the 2018/19 Annual Report
FACT: The ELRC has jurisdiction over SADTU and DHET at the ELRC on the of the GPSSBC and see for yourself who
TVET matters. No other bargaining or 22 May 2017 on the dispute “Refusal SADTU has consistently and persistently is the majority in that Bargaining Council.
dispute resolution structure has been / Failure to bargain.” The DHET argued that Lecturers cannot and (Vote Weights for 2018/19)
established yet. committed, in the settlement agreement, should not be punished for the mistakes Figures will never lie.
Why is the DHET still paying levies to resuscitate collective bargaining committed by the Employer. The
for Lecturers to the ELRC if the ELRC for both TVET and CET Sector at the Employer initially wanted to push the The South African Democratic
does not have any jurisdiction on TVET ELRC. payment of pension liabilities to the Teachers’Union (SADTU), doesn’t believe
matters? • Settlement agreement reached by Lecturers and SADTU alone stood against in empty rhetoric and lies because TVET
SADTU and DHET at the ELRC the Employer’s position. lecturers are not statistics but human
Refer to the PSCBC Council Decision:
on 09 May 2017 in which the DHET Had it not been for SADTU’s resilience beings; we care about and respect them.
• Council meeting of 30 June 2015
committed to pay all Outstanding and uncompromising posture on the
• Decision No. 17 on the Scopes of That statistics cannot be manipulated
Historical Pay Progression to all matter, DHET would have forced the
Bargaining Councils: …Status quo & conveniently repackaged to suit a
qualifying Lecturers; Lecturers to pay for mistakes they did not
in respect of the Lecturers and Support particular agenda.
• Top-up Issue: Lecturers who were commit.
Staff shall remain until Parties to the Beware of those coming to you disguised
promoted but paid top-up salary
PSCBC agree otherwise… FACT: NUMBERS / FIGURES DON’T as extraordinary ideologues, they
instead of the correct salary on
(What is the “status quo”? That PERSAL: The DHET had initially LIE are reactionary agents of doom and
Lecturers shall remain at the ELRC wanted the affected Lecturers to be paid gloom who have reduced our fellow
As at 31 December 2018:
whilst Support Staff shall remain at the from their pockets the shortfallpensions professionals in the TVET sector to a mere
GPSSBC.) shortfall caused by the top-up salaries • 10 642 TVET Lecturers employed by statistic to tick the box for their own self-
• Subsequent ELRC correspondence (14 for promoted Lecturers. SADTU refused DHET, serving reasons.
SADTU joins the reading revolution
“It is indisputable that young readers enjoy reading stories that connect to their souls and culture…This initiative by the
DBE and NECT can help our society in valuing all languages, in particular indigenous languages. We therefore believe reading
materials must be made available in all languages so that parents can be part of reading with their children, using mother
tongue at home, “ (SADTU Message of support extracted from National Reading Coalition (NRC) Launch Booklet).
not only learners but the country as a proactive in getting
whole. Initially, the coalition aims to South Africans to adopt
target schools in 25% of the Education a culture of reading,
Department circuits in North West, which inevitably,
Limpopo & Mpumalanga. This involves according to research,
263 circuits out of a total of 1051 circuits aids in bolstering
countrywide. overall improvement in
As one of the NECT’s long-term educational outcomes
strategic partners, SADTU welcomed in schools.
the introduction of the NRC, particularly The NRC succeeded
endorsing the ever-strong calls for the in handing out over 1
inclusion of mother tongue instruction in 000 books of various
the classroom. titles, including Winnie
On the 9th of March, SADTU invited Mandela’s biography,
the NRC, through the NECT, to join Half of a Yellow
the Union’s International Women’s Day Sun, Americanah
celebrations held in four provinces – by Nigerian Author
Eastern Cape, Limpopo, North West and Chimamanda Ngozi
READ: Learner Thina Tshabalala reads the main event in Bethlehem in the Free Adichie and Little Sons ANC Women’s League Secretary Meokgo Matuba (left) Basic
in her language at the launch of the State. by Zakes Mda. Education Minister Angie Motshekga (centre) and Free State
“Reading Revolution Campaign.” and The main celebration in Bethlehem, The books are Premier Sisi Ntombela. Minister Motshekga urged women to
O
International Women’s Day Celebration was attended by, among others; Basic intended to be ‘travel be innovative. “The challenge for women in this generation is
n 15 February 2019, Education Minister Angie Motshekga, books’, meaning to be innovative. Women should use innovation to deal with
the National Education COSATU President Zingiswa Losi, Free recipients are issues affecting them.”
Collaboration Trust (NECT), State Premier Sisi Ntombela, ANC NEC encouraged to read and
member David Mahlobo, ANC Women’s pass on to the next person with the aim • Exchange or donate books to your
together with the Department local school library.
of Basic Education (DBE) responded to League General Secretary Moekgo of one book reaching 10 people in a year.
Matuba and the leadership of the Tripartite A ‘Readers Name’ list was inserted into • Parents - read to your children and let
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s challenge to
Alliance in the province. each book, to be filled in by each reader them read to you.
start a reading revolution, with the launch
of the National Reading Coalition (NRC). The celebrations served to honour before passing the book on to someone • Write a book - we have stories to share.
The launch of the NRC was preceded women for the struggles they have else. To encourage participation, readers
by the widely publicised Progress in enduredto emancipate women and a were invited to share
International Reading Literacy Study platform for the NRC to galvanise an image of their name
(PIRLS), released in 2017. The study educators who are seen as role models on the Readers Name
found that 78% of Grade 4 learners in for learners, to lead by example by list on NECT’s social
South Africa could not read for meaning, being at the forefront of the reading media pages to stand
scoring the lowest benchmark of below revolution. “Who can be the agents of a chance of winning a
400 out of a possible 1000 points when the envisioned long-lasting change other voucher worth R500.
tested in their home language. Moreover, than the 433 000 comrades who take the
the South African Book Development primary responsibility of bringing up our How can you join the
Council’s 2016 survey into reading and children? Let’s make reading cool again!” #ReadingRevolution?
book reading behaviour of adults, reveals proclaimed NECT CEO, Godwin Khosa,
• Start a book club
that only 14% of adults in the country read during his speech in Bethlehem.
with friends and
a printed book for leisure. The NRC/SADTU partnership also
family.
The NRC is a continuation of efforts aimed to initiate a book donation drive
for educators and urged everyone to be • Read every day, TRAVEL BOOKS: SADTU members receiving books from NECT
to improve the reading outcomes of you will love it. officials to read and pass to others as part of the campaign.
JUNE/JULY 2019 • VOL 21 • NO 1. EDUCATORS’ VOICE 5
SADTU and JENN join hands
to acknowledge outstanding
performance in Eastern Cape.
T
he South African Democratic
Teachers’ Union (SADTU)
together with JENN Training
and Consultancy organized
the second annual teachers’ awards held
at East London International Convention
Centre on the 09th February 2019. The
teachers who were given the awards are
the members of the union who attained
more than 80% in the subjects that they
taught in 2018 National Senior Certificate.
The awards initiative started last year
and during that time, the union awarded
111 members and this year the num-
ber increased to 300 awardees. JENN
Training and Consultancy contributed
to the awards ceremony by securing the
venue and catering for all 600 delegates
that were invited, JENN further sponsored SADTU Vice President for Gender,Dorcus Sekabate Mr. Mosanku Pholo representing JENN with award
(left) with Minister of Basic Education honorable Angie reci pient and another representative from sponsor
the event by giving certificates to all 300
Motshekga (right) awarding one of the reci pients.
winners and provided corporate gifts to
selected stakeholders that were attending.
Speaking at the event, the representative
of JENN said that they do not want to be
seen as a mere sponsor to the awards cere-
mony, but instead as partners in pursuit of
a better education system in the province.
JENN Training and Consultancy has now
been operating in the Eastern Cape for
two years providing interventions in six
districts.
The teachers that were honoured were
awarded in different categories that
included amongst others; best school prin-
cipal, special school, and best performing
region etc. Some of the big winners of
the day included Toli Senior Secondary
School and Saint James Senior Secondary
School.
The event was attended by various
education stakeholders that included
SADTU Vice President for Gender, The overall performer St James School with SADTU provincial Chairperson Thabile Kunene and SADTU Vice President
Dorcus Sekabate, Eastern Cape provincial for Gender,Dorcus Sekabate.
chairperson of SADTU Thabile Kunene,
serves as a good symbol for promoting
provincial Secretary Chris Mdingi, Head
excellence. As her parting shot, the min-
of Department from provincial depart-
ister challenged all the teachers to, lift as
ment of education Themba Kojane as well
they rise.
as the minister of Basic Education, Angie
The Eastern Cape has over the past two
Motshekga.
years, shown improvement in the matric
In her keynote address, Minister
pass rate. In 2017, the province attained
Motshekg praised SADTU for hosting
a 65, 8% pass which was an increase
the event in recognition and acknowl-
of more than 5% from 2016’s 59, 3%.
edgement of teachers; she said teachers
In 2018, the province achieved 70, 6%
must always remember that they are the
which highlighted a further improvement
workers of a special kind, who have a
in the overall performance of the prov-
responsibility of building the nation. She
ince.
further reminded the teachers that their
sacrifices will be in vain if the African
The article and photographs are supplied
child is not educated.
by Jenn Training and Consultancy
Minister Motshega said the awards Award reci pients celebrating outside East London ICC
6 EDUCATORS’ VOICE JUNE/JULY 2019 • VOL 21 • NO 1.
Western Cape Provincial General
Council Declaration
Fountain Hotel, Cape Town 16 -17 June 2019
schools is a clear example of
corporate capture.
• Thus, we declare to defend
collective bargaining,
workers’ rights and defend
people’s power for people’s
education, defend our
organisation SADTU and
defend the ANC-led alliance
and its progressive policies.
Against the above, our
defence is formed by the
reality that all the gains we
have made have never come
Jonavon Rustin Provincial Secretary and Nonzaliseko Mzizi, SADTU cheap.
National Negotiator Sibongile Kwazi,Deputy Provincial Secretary
T
• Therefore, we call for an
he South African towards an ANC victory. end to all hostilities within
Democratic teachers the ANC and furthermore,
Union (SADTU) Western • Thus, the PGC mandated
all members of the union as SADTU in the Western
Cape, convened its Provincial Cape, we declare our full
General Council (PGC) from 16- to double their efforts in
changing the conditions support for the ANC in the
17 June 2019 at Fountain Hotel, upcoming local government
Cape Town. of our people, the working
class in particular. Thus, elections.
The Provincial General we have been mindful of
Council was attended by • We also call on all our
the frosty relationship we members to participate
delegates from all of our have with the provincial
structures from the length in ensuring that the ANC
government, which on many build its base for the local
and breadth of the Province, occasions, uses SADTU
representing 12 700 members government elections in two
members as scapegoats years’ time, with a renewed
throughout the province. In when the policies of the DA
line with the constitution of strategy to improve on the
are crumbling. showing in the national
the organisation, all the reports
were tabled and adopted. Deputy • The PGC resolved that elections. It is against this
President, comrade Cele, gave any assault or killing of a background that we make
input on behalf of the National teacher or any public servant no apology when we say
Executive Committee. amounts to treason and that members of SADTU must
the criminal procedures participate in the life of
We received political messages South African democracy,
of solidarity from the ANC should be amended to
classify an attack on a both as members of ANC or
represented by the Provincial members of the independent
Chairperson of the youth league, teacher or public servant as
treason. electoral commission (IEC),
comrade Khalid Sayed who is the working independently and
Shadow minster for Education • The PGC noted that we will professional as teachers
in the Provincial Legislature. oppose the Western Cape generally did in several
We also received a message of Schools Amendment Act elections.
support from the Vanguard Party, with all our might.
the SACP through its Provincial • The PGC resolved that we
chairperson comrade Anthony • It is for this reason that must economically empower • The council resolved to and transphobia and will
Dietrich and the workers voice SADTU vehemently all public servants by share popularise the SADTU APP fight for the inclusion
Comrade Andile Ngqaneka. disagreed and rejected allocation in the PIC. to improve communication of gender identity in our
the privatisation of public polices.
• The PGC recognised with or members and
schools, the sale of alcohol, • The PGC declares work a
the political epoch and the introduction of SEA, feasible model to give a girl promote online training. • The PGC declares that we
particular milestones this inspection, etc by the child a quality education. • The PGC declares that we will make our documents
year: 43 years since the provincial government. available to be transcribed
• The PGC rejects the will advocate strengthening
Soweto uprising, 63 years into braille, to enable the
since District Six had been • In fact, the privatisation proposed new promotion the legal department in
of schools (Collaboration and progress policy for SADTU, to advance the blind and partially sighted
declared as a whites-only
area, 64 years since the Schools) works against the Foundation phase, as it will interests of the members. to participate actively in the
freedom charter was adopted important declaration of the disadvantage our young union.
freedom charter which states learners. • The council further declared
by the real congress of the • We declare that we will
“The doors of learning and that we will challenge
people. • The union declares that work towards transformation
culture shall be opened”. presiding officers, who act
• Our PGC took place after it will work tirelessly to outside the rules prescribed in sport and the promotion
the National Elections were • It for this reason SADTU improve the conditions of of our culture for inclusion
in the Arbitration act. We
held and did an analysis agrees that the privatisation service of ECD workers in further declare that we and social cohesion.
of the ANC’s performance (Collaboration Schools) of line with the Employment of
public schools is meant to will embark on training • On finance, the union
nationally and in the Educators Act and mobilise
take the control of schools for collective bargaining for programmes to capacitate declares that recruitment will
province.
from the community and all ECD workers. union representatives be prioritised to increase the
• SADTU noted the forms part of tactics to to provide quality union’s income.
challenges facing our weaken SADTU. This • We will further popularise representation.
movement, but declared privatisation of schools is the SADTU Co-op bank to • The PGC declared that a
that we will not tolerate an attempt to commodify ensure our members become • SADTU declares that policy be adopted to assist
opposition parties and the education and a second financially secure and it will fight all forms of small regions and branches
liberal media dictating to the leg of the provincial promote savings. victimisation in schools to be financially viable.
progressive forces how to government’s attempt to • The PGC declares that it
resolve its challenges. weaken the union as they • We, as PGC, declare that • We further declare that a
will provide clarity on the
tried with the haphazard we will work to promote minimum programme will
• The union adopted a classroom visit protocol,
closure of schools. In fact, in the interest of quality LGBTIQ+ rights, addressing be designed for the branches
minimum programme to to us, the privatisation of learning and teaching. the issues of homophobia to capacitate members.
map out our contribution
JUNE/JULY 2019 • VOL 21 • NO 1. EDUCATORS’ VOICE 7
20
IMF’s report on SA’s dire education
system is news to most township and rural teachers
A recently released IMF report paints a bleak picture of South Africa’s education system stating that
on average, teachers in South Africa miss 11% of teaching time due to absenteeism. But while the
report claims roughly 20% are absent Mondays and Fridays, most teachers, especially from township
and rural areas actually teach on Saturdays and sacrifice their holidays. SADTU’s media team visited
the Winnie Mandela Secondary School to get first-hand information on what happens in school.
A
ccording to the 2019 school to get 100%. To achieve that, we teach time to come here because I love it; I love when learners are in class, preparing
calendar learners should be during holidays and Saturdays,” she says. teaching,“ Mabusela says. meals for them, and it is always a great
enjoying their end-of first The school is in an informal area where English teacher, Steven Masemola relief during lunch as they all make their
quarter vacation. However, it is difficult for some learners, to even knows there is no holiday for Grade 12 way to receive these meals.
for eight Grade 12 teachers at Winnie find a place to study at home. “Some do and has no qualms with that. For him, this The school not only caters for Nelson
Mandela Secondary School and 238 not have electricity at home, so we need to is about the future of his learners. “One Mandela learners, learners as far away as
thing that is important about teaching is Limpopo whose parents work in Gauteng,
learners, Saturdays and school holidays help them, “Mam Mabusela explains.
that you are not here for yourself but you attend these classes during the holidays
are more or less normal school days. Holiday classes also provide the
are here for these kids,” he says. when they come to visit their parents. For
Clad in their school uniforms, they are teachers with the opportunity to provide Being at school, Masemola is not the school management and teachers , this
in classrooms behind the school’s locked learners with individual attention as only helping his learners to advance is not a big deal as they want to see every
gates, being taught. The only difference some are progressed learners. Of the 238 academically but the school is also learner making it in life.
is that, instead of a normal seven hour matrics, 83 are progressed learners but providing learners with a safe haven. Masemola has been teaching for 20
day they spend five hours in class on they are not progressed in all subjects. “You saw when you came here, the years and his greatest satisfaction is to see
Saturdays and school holidays. To the teachers, working beyond roads are closed, so there are challenges his learners succeed in life.
According to the School’s Deputy the normal working hours makes no in the area,” he explains. “When I meet some of my former kids,
Principal, Mam Mabusela, the teachers difference in their take home pay but it is The school has the support of the sometimes I can’t recognise them, they
and the learners are sacrificing their well worth the sacrifice. community and parents who allow their are the ones who greet me, they are far
precious time because they want to “You need passion to be a teacher. It children to attend during the holidays. ahead of me in terms of progress in life,”
improve their results. “We are striving is not about money. I am sacrificing my Community members also work hard he says.
8 EDUCATORS’ VOICE JUNE/JULY 2019 • VOL 21 • NO 1.
IS IT QUANTITY OVER QUALITY?
An input on Matric Results Focus
In what seems to be the norm at the beginning of each year, matric results are released around
the country. The different provinces are queued and ranked in relation to their performance and
schools are classified as performing or non-performing. Different subjects at various levels of
the system are also tagged according to performance. In the main, statistical information is the
basic source for the final figures arrived at. This leads to a fundamental question on whether
our education system, in practice, is driven by quantity and is less concerned about quality?
By Mkhuseli Mafunda, North West Provincial Education Convener.
rate. The reality is that candidates who and that information gets released
modularise the final examinations, do not during tests or examinations. Critical
receive much tangible academic support. learning skills are compromised in
What needs to be done? I have a the process. This has a tendency of
few suggestions. These will require a catching up with those who attend
turnaround strategy whose main focus Higher Education Institutions, as they,
would be prioritised accordingly: regardless of the quality of Grade 12
- There has to be a concerted effort pass, struggle to adjust.
towards investing in the Foundation - Preparing teachers for the Fourth
Phase. Research shows that high Industrial Revolution is critical. The
quality programmes at early years Teacher Laptop Initiative has been
and grades have the potential to spill a failure due to the fact that, among
over into senior grades and later years others, educators were expected
of the learner. Foundational skills to make a partial payment for this
in education have a pivotal role in learning, teaching and administrative
grounding the learner in different tool but also because the private
facets of their educational journey. sector had seen a quick money
Resources have to be invested in the making scheme. To enhance teaching,
foundation of our education system. educators have to be supplied with
With time it should be possible to devices free of charge and be trained
predict the pass quality/rate per phase to use them.
from the foundation phase of the
system. This could have the potential - As Deputy Minister of Basic
of creating matric results from the Education Enver Surty champions
foundational level. the course, the private sector must
also make real commitments: zero-
- The successful retention of learners rating school items, dedicated Wi-Fi
in the system is also a matter that in all schools and data-free dedicated
needs attention. For example at the educational applications. This will
FET band the number of learners in have a positive impact on accessing
Grade 10 is drastically reduced in education and will create a platform
Grade 12 – the system is not able to to improve the quality of knowledge,
North West Education Convenor Mkhuseli Mafunda. convincingly account for the learners skills and output. This will also
T
who go missing in-between Grades be responding to the directive of
he focus of the education system the school will be declared dysfunctional 10 and 12. Surely, there are some who the National Development Plan, as
in South Africa has always been and the perception has its own impact on opt for TVET colleges but we are captured by the Department of Basic
on Grade 12, the exit/entry the morale of the school community. This unable to indicate where the majority Education’s Strategic Plan, which
grade for the Further Education results in some schools developing some “disappear” to. seeks to “roll out broadband ICT
and Training (FET) band. This has seen subtle methods of sifting learners who - Provincial Education Departments Infrastructure” in schools. Further,
a lot of pressure being put on Provincial proceed to matric, in fact some even sift still continue to underspend on the the Education White Paper 7 goal,
Education Departments, which ultimately from Grade 8 as they admit new learners, Maths-Science and Technology grant of enhancing achievement through
flows over to schools. The result is that they admit in a manner to pre-empt the and this has the long term effect of access to information by blending
Grade 12 teachers spend the year trying Grade 12 results. ultimately not being able to produce pedagogy and technology, will be a
to ensure that they cover the syllabus We also need to acknowledge some more leaners for Mathematics and step closer to being achieved.
whilst preparing learners for the end-of- other challenges inherent in the system Science at FET band.
year examinations. The unintended result and how they impact on education and In conclusion, the foundation stages of
would be focussing more on preparation learner performance. - Whilst it would be helpful to the learner’s education require attention
of the learners for the examinations The Progression of Learners is a have intervention programmes, in order to have learners progressing
and not putting enough emphasis on challenge which creates chaos in the particularly in Grade 12, which take to higher grades and phases with skills
the requisite skills that the learner must system. The number of progressed learners the form of camps, among others, and requisite competencies. Intervention
master. In such an instance knowledge in a school may lead to negative labelling the system should avoid having programmes must be deployed towards
becomes dormant because of lack of or of teachers and schools. The system also camps developing into an “alternative establishing a solid foundation. Numeracy
insufficient skills. doesn’t have a clear monitoring system education system” which is more and literacy would have great spin-offs in
The number game’s main interest of progressed learners across the phases. about preparing learners for exams; senior grades and phases. The retention
is checking the number of candidates Equally related to this is the issue of thus missing out on the requisite rate of learners across the grades cannot
who wrote against how many passed. singling out learners as progressed; this learning competencies and skills that be over-emphasized. We must be a
Naturally a school with 27 candidates has the potential to impact negatively on must be mastered by the learners. quality-driven system. In order to achieve
who all pass, will statistically be ranked the self esteem of learners. This ends up in the “banking model this, teacher development and upskilling
as having performed better than a school The decision of the 2015 Council of education” which was observed programmes should be mandatory.
where 175 out of 180 candidates passed... of Education Ministers (CEM) to by the Paulo Freire, the Brazilian Acknowledgement of inputs made by
That is the danger of numbers which does make matric learners modularise the Education scholar. The banking model Faseega Solomon, Western Cape SADTU
not see the value in the numbers. The examinations is a proof/action/device/ means students are the recipients of Provincial Education Convener)
lower the pass rate the higher the chances method that sought to heighten the pass information deposited by the teachers
JUNE/JULY 2019 • VOL 21 • NO 1. EDUCATORS’ VOICE 9
SADTU well represented in the NTA awards
SADTU members entered the annual National Teaching Awards organised by the Department
of Basic Education to honour teachers who show dedication, creativity and innovation in the
profession. Out of the 11 categories teachers compete in, SADTU members took the first
price in three categories. They are Phenyo Victorian Violet Koka, Marcus Thobya Matsebane
and Mfanafuthi “MJ”Joseph Nkosi
not struggle in career choices in the near
future.
Does being a SADTU member
complement your work as a teacher?
Being a SADTU member complements
my job because SADTU provides me
with the necessary support so that I
can produce quality teaching. SADTU
has always encouraged me to honour
my profession, dignify the teaching
profession and work hard.
Now that you have won being a
SADTU, what is your view about those
who say SADTU members don’t have
the interest of learners at heart?
Phenyo Victorian Violet Koka flanked by Basic Education Minister My view about those who say SADTU
Angie Motshekga (left) and former Minister in the Presidency, member do not have the interest of their
Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma (right) learners at heart is they speak because Marcus Thobya Matsebane
they have not met the likes of Miss
Phenyo Koda who is a proud SADTU supported by the circuit manager and the
PHENYO VICTORIAN VIOLET my own hands, and I design resources member who was taught by the Union District Director simple because they have
KOKA, “When I teach, I also from waste materials. I do not expect my to love her work and to honour her seen the good work that i am doing in the
parent” school to do everything for me because learners’rights. My union encourages me school, circuit and the district.The main
I understand at times the school finances to respect therights of the learners and to reason was to share with other colleagues
Teacher at Dikobo Primary School, cannot cover all our needs. make sure I am in class, teaching and not throughout the country the good practices
Limpopo abusing my powers upon my learners. I in my school but I was just doing my
What does teaching mean to you? sacrifice my time, finances and strength work to the best of my ability and people
Winner of the Primary School Teaching towards improving the lives of learners noticed and encouraged me to enter.
Award To me teaching means life changing and
giving hope to the underprivileged and within my reach.
What do you think made you the
How and why did you enter the disadvantaged community. It is bringing What message would you like to give to winner?
Awards? hope to the discouraged souls, and laying fellow SADTU comrades now that you
a solid and meaningful foundation so the Throughout my schooling days I have
I first entered the National Teaching have won? always strived for excellence. I graduated
learners can discover their God-given
Awards in 2017. My principal, Mr MK talents and purpose at an early age. It is My message to fellow SADTU comrades: as the top student at the college among
Mahlahlani had done class visits and also developing them into responsible Be a good employee, do what you are 133 students in my initial training as
he suggested to me, to the staff and the citizens of our country. When you are a teacher. I obtained my FDE (Further
hired to do. To be an excellent teacher,
School Governing Body (SGB) that I teaching you are also parenting. I reach Diploma in Education) majoring in
work beyond your normal call of duty and
enter. They all told me they have faith in out to my learners’ disadvantaged homes. Mathematics, Physics and chemistry
always be willing to share. with cum laude i.e. with distinction at the
me. That, on its own, gave me confidence. My “being a teacher” occurs even outside
I received lots of support from my school, How has the award impacted you University of Johannesburg again winning
classroom walls. I expose learners
circuit and district. My principal, Mr personally and professionally? the top student award among 40 students
to various extra-curricular activities from various provinces. My Honours
Mahlahlani, is also an award winner such as athletics and encourage them Winning this award has proved to me that
(2018) under the category: Primary and Masters Degrees were both obtained
to participate in school projects that hard work and dedication can be paid off. with Cum Laude at UNISA. I have also
School Leadership. Mr Mahlalani and generates our school some money. I take NTA encourages one to grow. Through
Dr Maluleke at our district have been acquired other degrees, diplomas and
upon myself the responsibility to mother this award doors have opened for me; certificates with excellent marks.
by my side since I entered in 2017 and and give support to the learners. I also including furthering my studies for free
always believed that I could make it. work in assisting the school to get funds from 2010. The award has also inspired Ever since I taught learners, I have always
Mr Mulaudzi, a coordinator from my for school infrastructure improvement. the youth from my community who have inspired them to excel in everything they
province also gave me his full support. now developed more love and respect for do. I motivate my educators to also excel
I have also been given support by the How and when did you enter the this profession. in all they do. I set very high standards
parents of my learners, SGB and my own teaching profession? for my learners and I encourage parents
family. Being an NTA candidate one to assist their children to meet these high
needs such support. I entered the profession at the age of 24 in MARCUS THOBYA MATSEBANE standards. In everything I do, I do it to
2013 at Lekkerbreek Primary School after the best of my ability and I always go an
- “I always confess I am winner
What do you think made you a winner? completing my four year Degree in Early extra mile in my work as a principal. All
Childhood Development Specialization
with my learners before we
these have made me to be the best of the
What I think made me a winner is my at the University of KwaZulu Natal commence classes.” best and a cut above the rest.
selfless contributions and dedication (Edgewood Campus) I studied through a
to the school and my community. The Principal of Rapoho Primary School, I also believe that I am always a winner.
bursary from the Limpopo Department of Limpopo Province
little sacrifices that I make on daily Education by Dr Aaron Motswaledi I always confess that I am a winner with
basis to better the lives of learners that my learners before we commence with
Winner of the Excellence in Primary
are untrusted in my care. I serve the What do you like best about being a our classes in the morning, in the evening
School Leadership Category: and on Saturdays. And above all, I also
department of education beyond my job teacher?
description with love and passion, through Why and how did you enter the believe that working hard at all times has
my personal spare time and money. I do Being a teacher that I am, I enjoy the Awards? made me to be a winner. I learnt from my
not wait for a developmental “change” to mother-to-child relationship that I have secondary school that hard work promotes
happen to my school, but I am a change with my learners and laying a good I never decided on my own to enter peace and happiness and I have been
maker! For example: I painted my own foundation for them to discover their the Awards; I was nominated by my working hard always.
classroom, from my own pocket and using talents at an early age so that they may colleagues and the nomination was
What does teaching mean to you?
10 EDUCATORS’ VOICE JUNE/JULY 2019 • VOL 21 • NO 1.
It means changing the lives of learners kept me going throughout the years, these impossible. I believe teaching is a calling
forever. I don’t teach learners to pass pillars I got them from the Holy Bible more than cheque collection scheme. Due
exams only but I teach them to acquire to unfavourable conditions teachers come
skills, values and knowledge that will 1. I am the best, Psalm 139 : 14 says across in different schools, it make it hard
sustain them throughout their lives on , I am fearfully and wonderfully to become a good teacher, then calling
earth and also for eternity. made. In short it means I am very
and love for learners come in.
unique and very special and there is
When and how did you enter the none like me, i don’t have to copy What do you like most about being a
teaching profession? anybody and I am an original and I teacher?
can come up with original solutions
I entered the teaching profession on the to the challenges i face daily Helping learners conquer achievements
16th of January 1995. After passing Grade
2. I can do it, Phillipians 4 :13. I can that they had never thought of attempting
12, I wanted to pursue nursing as a career
because I wanted to earn some income do all things through Christ who is fulfilling. The majority of the learners
in order tp assist my mom and two strengthens me, nothing is too in my school are from poor backgrounds,
siblings. I now know that God had it well difficult for me. I can do ALL things they therefore have fewer resources. But
planned that I was going to be a teacher. 3. God is always with me, Matthew 28 I go out even to businesses for resources.
Before I went to the nursing college, I : 20, ...Behold i am with you always One of the companies, Arcelor Mittal
met a community leader (Mr Letlalo) even unto the end of the age. When Science helps us with equipment to do
who assisted me to gain admission at the no one is around, I know that God is experiments. Teaching for me does not
college and my Rector, Mr Masekwameng ever with me. end at school, I have converted my garage
assisted me to apply for a bursary. I at home and have turned it into a centre
worked very hard in the three years at 4. I am a winner, Romans 8 : 37. In Mfanafuthi “MJ” Joseph Nkosi
all these things we are more than where I teach after school. This centre is
College and became a very dedicated,
conquerors through him who loved School Teaching but four days before the helping learners from more than 5 schools
determined and disciplined teacher
us. This means that I can overcome district adjudication process, they called in Newcastle. Last academic year (2018)
What do you like most about being a every obstacle, defeat every enemy me and asked if I could enter under the Grade 12 Physical Science class, we used
teacher? and win every battle. Physical Science category. I switched to start classes at 7am and also Saturday
and had to cross-night preparing my new evening classes at my house. By March,
I like spending time with my learners 5. This is my day, Psalm 118: 24, This
presentation. I presented and got position they were reaching no less than 80%. In
helping them to acquire skills, values, is the day that the Lord has made,
1 in the Majuba District. We then moved the end of year mark, I receive a 93% pass
attitudes and knowledge which makes let us be glad and rejoice in it. I am
born for a time like this, it is not a to the cluster and in September, to the in Physical Science. 60% received more
them world overcomes. It gives me great province. Three weeks later, I got a call
joy to see my learners grow and become mistake that we are alive today and than 60% pass and I got three distinctions.
we are teachers. God knew us before that I would be the ambassador for my I am motivated by the motto,” Aspire to
successful and very responsible citizens
the world was founded and made us province (KwaZulu-Natal) in the Physical inspire before you expire.”
that help our country‘s economy to grow
teachers in a time like this, he knows Science (FET) category in the National
and also play a vital role to come up
with real and tangible solutions to the very well that we have all it takes to Teaching Awards Does being a SADTU member
challenges we face today. be successful teachers today. complement your work as a teacher?
What do you think made you the
Does being a SADTU member How has the award impacted you winner? It is complementing. The Union has
complement your work as a teacher? personally and professionally? pledged to use me to teach others in the
In whatever I do, I strive for excellence.
The award has greatly motivated me and I am motivated by the story of Joseph in province as a lead teacher.
To a certain extent, yes. But I think
SADTU can do more in terms of immensely increased my self esteem. I the Bible who was taken to captivity but Now that you have won being a SADTU
developing us to do our work better. have been working very hard throughout he excelled as a slave. He was taken to member, what is your view about those
Leadership and management workshops, the years and thought that no one is prison and he became the best prisoner.
watching, but I have learnt that God who say SADTU members dont have
conferences and seminars can be He excelled in whatever situation he was
rewards hard and excellent work and he the interest of their learners at heart?
conducted for SADTU managers as in. I believe God blesses excellence, so if
well as subject content workshops for has rewarded me. This has motivated I am given a task. I give it all. I live by the It is a dangerous statement to
educators me and I will sacrifice more of my time, saying; “give your best and God will do
energy, skills and knowledge to greatly assign performance to a group or an
the rest.” organisation. Performance is an individual
Now that you have won being a improve the lives of the learners in my
SADTU, what is your view about those community, circuit, district, province, When and how did you enter the thing. I live for my family. No one has
who say SADTU members don’t have country, continent and the entire world. teaching profession? ever influenced me not to perform. I am a
the interest of learners at heart? Professionally, the award has given lead teacher in the province
I am a qualified Geologist with a BSc
me more respect and recognition and
I believe that every teacher whether in Geology from the University of What message would you like to give to
more platform to motivate and inspire
a SADTU member or not, if he or she KwaZulu-Natal (Westville). I entered fellow SADTU comrades now that you
my fellow principals, teachers, circuit
is a teacher by calling, despite all the the teaching profession in 2013 at have won?
officials and everybody who is involved
challenges, will do all it takes to ensure Panorama Combined School after I
in education. The award has also given
that learners get the best quality education could not find work in the mining sector I would urge members to enter National
me the opportunity to study further as I
and will uphold the learners interest at all due to retrenchments after the Marikana Teacher Awards. As a young teacher,
got a bursary to study ONLINE on how to
times. I am a SADTU member and my Massacre saga. I dropped my CV at the awards have made me to become up
integrate ICT into teaching and learning.
learners’ interest is at the centre of my district offices and received a call four to date with policies. They provide one
I am very inspired and plan on completing
heart. I have proven beyond any doubt weeks later. When I completed my with good exposure. I have managed to
my doctoral degree in the next two years.
that I do everything in my power to give matric with a distinction in Physical communicate with other peers. I would
my learners the best quality education
Science, teaching was not in my mind. I recommend that members enter, more
even in the deep rural areas of Limpopo, MFANAFUTHI JOSEPH NKOSI went to University to do engineering but especially young teachers but you need to
Having said that I won’t agree with the - From a qualified Geologist to the I was accepted in Biological Sciences be a hard-working educator.
general statement that SADTU members best performing teacher.
don’t have the interest of their learners at which gave me a good foundation for
Natural Sciences but later switched to How has the award impacted you
heart. Winner of the Excellence in Teaching
Physical Science (FET) Award. Physics which I loved more than my Zulu personally and professionally?
What message would you like to give to language. After graduation I was taken
fellow SADTU comrades now that you at Panorama to teach Mathematics and Winning of NTA impacted me in a big
Physical Science Teacher at Panorama
way. I did not believe that I will one
have won? Combined School, Newcastle in Mathematical Literacy as a substitute
day be recognised as one of the good
KwaZulu-Natal educator for four months. After a year, physical Science teachers in the country.
Let us do our best in shaping the future the Physical Science teacher resigned
of our country by being the best teachers Why and how did you enter the This taught not to underestimate the
and I came in to teach Natural Sciences potential God had placed in me and to
to our learners. Let us play our roles as Awards? and Physical Sciences (FET). In 2015, always excel in everything I do. Now my
educators to the fullest, despite the trying
I got to know about the NTA’s in 2015. I registered for the Post Graduate understanding of education as a whole
challenges that we face as South African
Certificate in Education (PGCE) with and Physical Science is not the same
educators. Let us all remember the words My principal, Mr Mthethwa who
Unisa and majored in Geography and any more. It gave me the opportunity to
of Martin Luther King Junior who said : “ entered the for the Secondary School interact and network with good Physical
If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run Leadership category, approached me in Natural Sciences.
Science educators around South Africa
then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, 2018 and asked me to enter. He inspires which positively impacted my delivery
What does teaching mean to you?
but whatever you do keep on moving me and my family gave me support. I of content in class and hoping it will also
forward”. Furthermore i want to remind It means working with young minds,
fetched the forms and registered under impact my Grade 12 results.
all our educators of the 5 pillars that have moulding them and making them
the category, Excellence in Secondary
achieve what they initially thought wasYou can also read
