The South African Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu) argues that teaching should not be an essential service because "no life is threatened once it [teaching] is not rendered". But lives are threatened. Children’s lives are in danger when staff members abandon their posts to go on strike. This year, two learners stabbed one another with scissors at Eldorado Park Secondary School when left unsupervised by striking staff. School children and infrastructure fall prey to violence and crime when school staff are not present. The DA is not asking that the essential services committee (ESC) stop all teachers from striking, but we believe in the safety and security of learners. Children must be supervised, senior staff must be on hand to deal with emergency situations, and school staff should not stop serving food or cleaning facilities. Sadtu claims its position is in line with the Constitution and International Labour Organisation (ILO) principles. However, the Constitution clearly states ...
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