Statement from the Department of Basic Education

The Department of Basic Education has noted the decision by the National Professional Teachers' Organisation of South Africa (Naptosa) and the Suid Afrikaanse Onderwysers Unie (SAOU) to join the nationwide teachers' strike.

We have also noted the call by Naptosa in particular to all its members to act in a disciplined fashion and to refrain from acts of intimidation and violence. The Department calls on all other unions to take a similar public stand against any of their members making themselves guilty of inflammatory statements, intimidation or violence.

The Department respects the constitutional right of teachers to strike. We have made it clear though that the principle of No Work No Pay will be strictly applied for the duration of the strike. All provincial departments have put the necessary measures in place to ensure that they can make the necessary deductions with immediate effect. All teachers who have joined the industrial action will have their salaries docked in the next salary run which for most teachers will be 15 September 2010.

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