ANC CONCLUDES MEETING WITH SAOU

17 March 2009

The African National Congress (ANC) has met with the South Afrikaanse Onderwysersunie (SAOU) to further engage on issues of education and inclusive South Africa.

The meeting was convened as part of the ANC's Inclusive South Africa programme, which is aimed at bridging divides in order to establish a truly non-racial South Africa which belongs to all who live in it, black and white. The meeting follows previous two meetings held by both parties.

Representing the ANC was the Secretary General Gwede Manthase and Head of ANC Health and Education Committee Dr Zweli Mkhize. Representing the SAOU was its President Dr Jopie Breed, Deputy President Carel Cronje, Vice President Dr Louis Swanepoel and General Secretary Chris Klopper.

The SAOU appreciated the ANC initiative to engage minorities with a view to address their concerns. Amongst issues raised by the SAOU is the welfare of the Afrikaans organised teaching profession, position of minority unions, career possibilities for SAOU members, teacher training models as well as the Union participation in the education policy formulation and implementation.

Reaffirming the ANC's commitment to the ideals of the Freedom Charter, which was adopted in 1955, Mantashe said that the ANC is guided by the principle that no government can justly claim authority unless it is based on the will of the people.

Mantashe said the ANC must take the hands of all the co-builders of the nation from whichever background they may come. "Even if a group did define itself as a minority, they have the opportunity and space to make a contribution and a difference to bettering South Africa", Mantashe said.

The ANC wants to build an inclusive South Africa that works for all its citizens as equal South Africans. The minority concept suggests that one is not "part of the whole" and therefore the ANC preferred talking of an inclusive South Africa that "implied that all were equal players". This must be done in a manner that respects "the background, culture, language and religion of the component parts that make up the South African nation," he said.

Zweli Mkhize said they have been engaging the SAOU on issues of minority contribution; linguistic issues, quality education; strengthening and improving the culture of learning and teaching.

The SAOU appreciated the opportunity to present their concerns to the ANC. The ANC welcomed the engagement as it believes in the importance of engaging all communities. Together we can do more.

Issued by:
African National Congress

More information:
Ishmael Mnisi 082 333 5550