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On Wednesday, Solidarity indicated that its legal team was investigating the possibility of litigation against the Department of Basic Education (DBE) following the department’s announcement that the October school holidays for 2021 could be scrapped.
In a letter to Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga, the trade union said it was opposed to such an amendment to the school calendar. According to Solidarity, the intentions of the department were irrational, and implementing such an amendment would be unfair and contrary to the national policy regarding the compilation of school calendars. It pointed out that it was the duty of the Minister and the DBE to communicate with stakeholders before any decisions were made. Johan Botha, deputy general secretary of the Professional Sector at Solidarity, commented: “The department’s action can be described as nothing but exploitation. Teachers are expected to be on duty for 21 consecutive weeks with only a short break in the form of an extended long weekend as consolation prize. However, this is not consistent with the regulations. This action will negatively impact the performance of teachers and learners alike during the fourth term.” According to Botha, learners and teachers would benefit if the department rather adjusted the date for the submission of final marks so that the last two weeks of school on the calendar could be fully utilised by schools that needed time to catch up.
- Read Solidarity’s press statement in the above regard and access the letter sent to the DBE at Solidarity News
- Lees ook, Departement sê ‘binnekort’ oor skoolvakansie, by Maroela Media
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