The South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) strongly objected to the Democratic Alliance (DA) leading the Ministry of Basic Education.
This objection comes after the appointment of DA Member of Parliament (MP) Siviwe Gwarube to this position. The new cabinet, formed under the National Government of Unity (GNU), includes 32 ministers and 43 deputy ministers. SADTU has raised concerns about the DA’s education policies and what they perceive as the party’s anti-trade union stance.
According to SADTU spokesperson Nomusa Cembi, historically, the organization has had a strained relationship with the DA due to its anti-trade union policies. For a long time, the DA did not acknowledge the right of trade unions to exist.
“They’ve always made statements that SADTU- for all the problems that are there in the education sector, they always put them on SADTU’s doorstep. They always accuse us of opposing the education in this country, of being in charge of education, and of controlling the Department of Education and the ministers and all,” added Cembi.
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced his cabinet following engagements with a total of 11 parties that have formed the government of national unity.
