SADTU May Day Statement

1 May 2018

The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) joins all South Africans and workers all over the world in commemorating International Workers’ Day, 1 May. The day serves to honour trade unions for the role they have played in the struggle for workers’ rights, ensure fair labour practices and to promote unity among workers and the working class.

As an affiliate of COSATU, we are going to celebrate the day under our Federation’s theme, “Building Unity and Cohesion of COSATU to Advance the National Democratic Revolution.” We expect our members to turn up in their large numbers in different rallies and marches that have been organised by COSATU to commemorate this day.

The 2018 May Day  is taking place  amidst  protracted Public Service Wage negotiations that have dragged for seven months. We will use the celebrations to strengthen our resolve in fighting government’s intransigence.

As a Union in the education sector, we are going to use the Day to sensetise the broader community on issues that affect the education sector. These include among others, demands for:

  • Safer schools
  • An end to violence against teachers and learners;
  • Eradication of overcrowded classrooms;
  • Payment of rural incentives for teachers;
  • Formalisation of working conditions of ECD practitioners;
  • Respect for collective bargaining in the TVET and AET sectors.

The national leadership of SADTU are deployed across the country as follows:

  • President Magope  Maphila: Limpopo, Mokopane, Mahwelereng Stadium;
  • Deputy President Mabutho Cele: KwaZulu Natal, Kokstad Community Hall;
  • Deputy General Secretary Nkosana Dolopi: Gauteng, Vanderbylpark, Bophelong Stadium;
  • National Treasurer Lindiwe Motshwane: Mpumalanga, Mpumalanga Stadium, Ermelo;
  • Vice President (Gender) Dorcus Sekabate: KwaZulu Natal, Manguzi, Mpiyakhe Sports Ground to Arts Centre;
  • Vice President (Education) Veronica Hofmeester: Western Cape, Cape Town CBD Castle;
  • Vice President (Sport, Arts and Culture) Gloria Kgoleng: North West, Mahikeng, Rugby Stadium.

ISSUED BY: SADTU Secretariat

Contact:

General Secretary, Mugwena Maluleke; 082 783 2968

Deputy General Secretary, Nkosana Dolopi; 082 709 5651

Media Officer, Nomusa Cembi; 082 719 5157