THE malls and streets of Acornhoek in Mpumalanga are full of pupils and their schoolbags because teachers have downed tools in protest against job losses.
Teachers affiliated to Sadtu have been on strike since Tuesday. They are protesting against what they’ve termed job loss threats allegedly imposed by the Mpumalanga Department of Education.
Walter Hlaise, Sadtu secretary in the province, said most of their members were participating in the protest action across the province.
He added that they will protest until their demands are met
“We have petitioned the department not to cut jobs.
“They intend to reduce staff by 1 400.
“Those who will be affected are temporary teachers.
“We know that their contracts will simply not be renewed for next year,” Hlaise said.
Mpumalanga Education spokesman Gerald Sambo said the department was looking into the teachers’ concerns, and meetings are being convened with unions to reach an amicable solution.
“We are hopeful that the matter will be resolved so that learning and teaching continues without any hindrance,” he said.
