The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) wishes to congratulate the South African Congress of Students (COSAS) on her 44 th anniversary. Born on the 31 st of May 1979 at the height of repression by the apartheid regime, COSAS came into being to represent the interests of students in the wake of the June 16 Soweto uprisings which saw many young people dying and being imprisoned for fighting against Bantu education.
COSAS became a thorn on the side of the Nationalist Party regime as they concientised students and communities about the evils of Bantu Education through the drawing up of an educational charter advocating for a non-racial democratic education system. Realising that education transformation could not take place without the transformation of the country’s political system, COSAS made demands around political issues and aligned itself with community-based organisations and trade unions and became part of boycotts and strikes.
As COSAS celebrates its 44 th anniversary, we are encouraged to see that the organisation is still standing and remains united.
Although positive strides have been made in education since the dawn of democracy, we remind COSAS that the struggle for the transformation of education is not yet over. Quality public education is still an illusion for thousands of learners in townships and rural schools who still learn in overcrowded classrooms, poor sanitation facilities, and without sporting facilities.
We urge our MDM structures to stand in solidarity with COSAS because it remains a potent weapon in the hands of learners against political ignorance and corruption.
COSAS remains a dependable ally in the fight against school gender-based violence.
Together with COSAS we urge every learner to participate in ‘I am a School Fan’ campaign to end violence and lack of support. Together united we can bring hope to the millions of our learners and defend public education and our institutions.
ISSUED BY: SADTU Secretariat
CONTACT: General Secretary, Mugwena Maluleke: 082 783 2968
Deputy General Secretary, Nkosana Dolopi: 082 709 5651
Secretariat Officer, Xolani Fakude: 071 355 1566
Media Officer, Nomusa Cembi: 082 719 5157