SOUTH African democratic teachers union members yesterday downed tools in solidarity with eight teachers who have not worked for three months.
The strike disrupted learning at schools around Eldorado Park, south of Joburg.
The eight teachers have been spending their days under the trees at the education department’s district office in Pimville, Soweto.
Sadtu members of the Eldorado Park branch went on strike to support the teachers, who claimed their coloured principal told them he didn’t want black teachers at the school.
Branch secretary Sindane Mashabi said: “Black teachers are treated like rubbish by the principals and the community in this area.
“We don’t want the Eldorado Park or Freedom Park secondary school principals any more.”
Daily Sun reported the situation last Wednesday.
Gauteng Education spokesman Steve Mabona said the department was aware of the situation and was concerned about the serious allegations levelled against the principal.
The department has instituted an independent investigation into the matter, which is expected to conclude in two weeks.
