The South African Democratic Teachers Union in Free State received with appreciation the excellent performance by the matric learners of 2019. The province has improved its performance from 87,5% in 2018 to 88,4% in 2019, reclaiming the number one spot in the country. As SADTU in Free State we wish learners who passed all the best in their new endeavours. And to those who could not make it, this should not be the end of the road as there are opportunities to explore to be able to attain this crucial matric certificate.
The road leading to the excellent performance has not been an easy. This has been a long journey of twelve years that started in 2008. Our teachers across all levels have done exceptionally well under testing conditions of overcrowded classrooms, shortage of textbooks and limited laboratories to ensure that learners are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge building towards attainment of Grade 12 certificate. Despite all the challenges teachers remained committed to the cause of educating the nation. We are also proud of the achievements of Ikaelelo Secondary School which was adopted by the Union and launched “I am a school fan” campaign. The school improved from 78,9% to 94,4%. SADTU in Free State mobilised the learners, teachers, parents and union members to clean the school to create a conducive learning environment free of violence that previously engulfed the school.
The Free State has consistently been amongst the top three province for some time, and this is the indication of the stability in education in the province through collaboration of different stakeholders. We applaud the African National Congress for taking a decisive decision in retaining MEC, Tate Makgoe as its deployee in education in the province. His experience, wealth of knowledge and engagements with different stakeholders that include Unions have led to the good performance we are experiencing in education.
The Provincial Education Labour Relations Council (PELRC) should also be commended for the role it plays in ensuring labour peace in the province which is the cornerstone of good performance. One milestone achievement of Chamber is the change of pay date for teachers to the 20th of every month irrespective of closure of schools. This has been a great relief measure on teachers.
Moving into 2020 we are going to monitor the reduction of class sizes in Grades 1 – 4 to 30 learners as committed by the honourable MEC in his 2019 budget vote and further endorsed by PELRC. The investment in primary education is to lay a solid foundation for stability in education.
As we mark the 30th Anniversary of SADTU, we wish all our members a successful year and recommit to keep the department on its toes to improve working conditions and provide the necessary tools of trade for teachers to be able to do their work unhindered.
ISSUED BY PROVINCIAL SECRETARIAT
Provincial Secretary: Moloi Mokholoane: 076 811 2777
Provincial Deputy Secretary: Frank Kedibone: 079 886 3317