Strikes May Disrupt Matric Exams
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Grade 12 students planning to take their matric exams in October may be disrupted, as talks are apparently underway that could see schools shut down be strike actions from teachers.
Both the South African Democratic Teachers' Union (Sadtu) and National Professional Teachers' Organisation of SA (Naptosa) have been involved in talks for the past few weeks to talk about the possibility of a strike. While Naptosa provincial head Anthony Pierce made assurances that schooling was not disrupted by the meetings, papers have confirmed that Belverton Secondary School closed early at least one day because of them.
The state has offered teachers a 6.5 percent salary increase, but the unions are asking for 8.6 percent, along with an increase in housing allowance from R500 to R1,000.
With less than 90 days to go until the exams, students are under great pressure to prepare. KwaZulu-Natal education department spokeswoman Mbali Thusi has said that the matric curriculum and preparation will go ahead as planned. Both sides have expressed a wish that matric exams and preparation are not adversely affected. Public Service and Administration spokesman Dumisani Nkwamba was quoted as saying "We don't want any disruptions in schools, particularly not for matrics."
