North West Teachers’ Union Clashes with Education MEC Over Underperforming Teachers Remarks

North West news: North West Teachers’ Union Clashes with Education MEC Over Underperforming Teachers Remarks. Image for illustration purposes only, generated with AI.

The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) in the North West has strongly criticized the provincial Education MEC, Viola Motsumi, for her recent call urging underperforming teachers to resign or face suspension.

The dispute arose after Motsumi, during an interactive session with principals and district officials at Milner Secondary School in Klerksdorp, linked poor school performance to educators who allegedly neglect their duties. She cited a specific case in the Dr. Ruth Mompati District, where teachers reportedly refused to cooperate with a newly appointed principal, leading to incomplete syllabus coverage and poor exam results.

Union Rejects “Threats,” Calls for Support

SADTU’s provincial spokesperson, Els Themba, argued that Motsumi’s approach was counterproductive. “Instead of threatening educators, the MEC should use established channels to address underperformance,” Themba said during a televised debate. He emphasized that blanket statements risked demoralizing teachers already struggling with systemic challenges.

Themba acknowledged that while the union supports accountability, the MEC’s public remarks created unnecessary tension. “Underperformance has multiple causes—lack of resources, overcrowding, and socio-economic factors—not just teachers,” he added.

MEC Defends Remarks, Insists on Accountability

Motsumi defended her stance, stating her comments were directed at specific cases of misconduct, not all educators. “In one school, teachers deliberately undermined the principal, leaving learners unprepared for exams. That is unacceptable,” she said.

She stressed that her “interactive sessions” were designed to identify and remedy school-specific issues, not to vilify educators. However, SADTU maintains that labor laws and structured disciplinary processes should handle such matters—not public ultimatums.

Moving Forward: Dialogue or Deadlock?

Both parties agreed to further discussions to resolve the impasse. Motsumi expressed willingness to engage SADTU, while the union reiterated its commitment to quality education but warned against punitive measures that could harm morale.

The debate highlights broader tensions in South Africa’s education sector, where systemic challenges often intersect with demands for accountability. As the North West grapples with underperforming schools, the outcome of this dispute may set a precedent for how teacher performance is managed nationwide.

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