Publications
Partners
Johannesburg - It was hoped the ANC's 2014 election manifesto would bring change to the lives of many South Africans in the next five years, the SA Democratic Teachers' Union (Sadtu) said on Sunday.
This was as the union welcomed the manifesto, Sadtu said in a statement.
"As a union in education we welcome the plans for education. The emphasis on teacher development means a lot to us as it shows political commitment that is crucial to take things forward."
The ruling party's commitment to free education at all levels over the next five years was welcomed, as its implementation would ensure the eradication of illiteracy and unemployment.
The manifesto, launched in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga on Saturday, was a mixed bag of old and new pledges.
President Jacob Zuma said the party would continue to focus on job creation, rural development, land reform, food security, education, health and fighting crime and corruption.
It was no secret that the majority of South Africa's poor were black, particularly women and those living in rural areas.
This situation would change, Zuma told African National Congress supporters at the Mbombela Stadium.
He said all citizens should share in the wealth of the country.
Zuma said the manifesto contained plans for addressing poverty and unemployment, with the economy taking centre stage.
Sadtu said plans to formalise employment conditions for early childhood development teachers were welcomed, with the conclusion of a collective agreement to this effect a matter of major urgency.
"We also commend plans to introduce further safety programmes in schools. This will ensure that more children will attend schools where they are safer," the union said.
"We welcome the opening of two new universities in Mpumalanga and Northern Cape, a university of science in Gauteng and the expansion of FET [further education and training] colleges by establishing 12 new colleges."
Sadtu further called for the revitalisation of the FET sector as the preferred stream of development for pupils in secondary education, so they could adequately respond to the country's socio-economic needs.
The union also looked forward to the introduction of the National Health Insurance.
"We echo... President [Zuma's] words that we don’t want to see any poor South African dying because they can’t afford treatment."
Efforts to fight corruption through the establishment of a tender board were applauded, as was the prohibition of public servants doing business with the state, and the expulsion of ANC members found guilty of crime.
"We hope the manifesto does not end as words on paper but a reality. We want the delivery of the six million jobs promised," the union said.
