Sadtu spokesperson, Nomusa Cembi. Picture: File
Close to 2000 South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) delegates will converge at the Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre in Boksburg, Ekurhuleni, for the union’s 10th National Congress.
The much anticipated gathering from September 25 to 28, will be held under the theme: “Mobilizing the consciousness and uniting revolutionary professionals in strengthening foundational learning and functional skills, to advance inclusive and sustainable economic growth in pursuance of a socialist society.”
The union said the congress will be attended by close to 2000 delegates from branch to national levels from all nine provinces and guests from sister unions locally and internationally, as well as other stakeholders in education and labour.
The Deputy President of South Africa and the ANC, Paul Mashatile, will deliver the keynote address on day one of the congress.
This will be Mashatile’s first appearance since he collapsed in Limpopo recently. His team assured South Africans that he was well.
Sadtu spokesperson, Nomusa Cembi, said representatives from the Tripartite Alliance, Departments of Basic Education and Higher Education & Training, and global teacher union federation, International Education (EI) will deliver messages of support on day one.
“The National Congress is the supreme governing body of the Union. It meets at least once every five years to, among others, adopt policies by means of resolutions in furtherance of the aims and objectives of the union, elects national office bearers, considers and decide on amendments to the constitution, codes of ethics, codes of discipline and standing rules, consider financial reports including auditors’ reports,” said Cembi.
She said the delegates will engage in critical discussions and debate motions which will result in resolutions on labour, political, socio-economic, and educational matters.
“These resolutions as well as the Congress theme will shape the union’s agenda for the next five years. The theme aims to inspire and unite members, as revolutionary professionals, to appreciate with the necessary urgency, the role they play in creating a learning nation, equitable and inclusive society.
“The last day of the Congress will see the launch of EI campaign, Go Public, Fund Education which is aimed at urging government to invest in public education which is a public good and teachers who are a critical factor in achieving quality education. The campaign is a direct response to the austerity measures that have resulted in budget cuts in education that are threatening the employment of teachers and the provision of resources in education,” she said.
Cembi said the inauguration of the new national leadership of the union and the presentation of a declaration will mark the closure of the congress on Saturday.
The Star
ntombi.nkosi@inl.co.za