Sadtu objects to new minister

National Association of School Governing Bodies approves of choice.

- Thando Nondywana

After more than a decade of leadership under Angie Motshekga, the department of basic education welcomes a new minister, Siviwe Gwarube, of the DA.

As Gwarube steps into this critical role, the South African Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu) voiced strong views against her appointment.

Sadtu, the largest trade union for teachers, said it was not confident that with a DA minister it would be able to advance its interests in social justice, quality public education and the protection of teachers' rights, given the DA's stance on unions and Sadtu in particular.

Spokesperson Nomusa Cembi said the DA has always made Sadtu its number one enemy and that the DA was enmeshed in its own propaganda and ideology.

"We are disappointed because she is fully aware of the strained relations between Sadtu and the DA.

"They have on many occasions declared war against Sadtu and we believe it's part of their strategy to weaken unions, particularly Sadtu.