SADTU handed over a memorandum of grievances
Lebowakgomo
South African Democratic Teacher Union (SADTU) members have taken to the Department of Education in Lebowakgomo to deliver their memorandum of demand on February 15th.
Their memorandum was received by District Director DD of Capricorn South.
The teachers union alleged that a principal of Nji Mothapo Primary School, Ngoako Rapaledi who is a PEU member divide, humiliate and persecute teachers affiliated to SADTU.
Some of the carried placards were written: “We are not your kids Rapaledi satan”
They claimed that Rapaledi failed to protect a female educator who was allegedly assaulted and dragged out of the class by parents back in 2020.
According to the union Rapaledi has proven himself to undermine everybody in the department.
They want the department to treat their demands as a matter of urgency if not, demanding response within 14 days, if not, threatened to march to higher offices.
“The principal is all out getting rid of SADTU members and replacing them by member of his own union (PEU),” said SADTU member reading out their memorandum.
He blamed the department for giving Rapaledi “preferential treatment” in all departmental levels.
They also claimed that Rapaledi dictate the School Governing Body (SGB) members to gain personal aspiration.
Therefore they demand the department to formally launch investigation into all major projects taken by the school from 2011 till to date, verify if proper procedure were followed.
And they want to form part of the task team to be appointed during investigations.
He said the department must investigate if purchased vehicle worth more than R100 000 was approved by relevant departmental officials.
“We want installed CCTV camera to be investigated if the proper procedure was followed,” he alluded.
He alleged that due to pressure his members receive at school from the headmaster, they can’t cope anymore; therefore the department must offers psychological support to them.
After signing the memorandum, DD, said she felt honoured by educators who took their time to present their memorandum.
DD promised to provide psycho-social support to the affected teachers at the school.
“Something that we are going to do when we leave here is to make sure that the team is setup to go and support our teachers,” she said.
“Our wish is to create an environment that will make all our teachers to enjoy their work,” said DD.
Protesters we joined by COSAS regional secretary Koketso Koko, were chanting, singing struggle songs when heading to the department.
