'Stay away from politics'

2008-11-29 22:20

Durban - Teachers in KwaZulu-Natal have been warned not to attend a political party meeting and rather "do what they are paid for", the province's education superintendent-general Cassius Lubisi said on Saturday.

He was responding to information that "some teacher unions" had asked their members to attend a political meeting scheduled for Monday and Tuesday.

A department official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the party in question was the African National Congress and the union was the SA Democratic Teachers' Union.

"We wish to indicate that this will be in contravention of the law and will represent a dereliction of duty," said Lubisi.

He called on teachers to do "what they are paid for".

He said no pay would apply to those who ignored the call and disciplinary action taken against those who stay away from work without approved leave.

ANC provincial secretary Senzo Mchunu was not immediately available for comment.

SADTU provincial secretary Sipho Nkosi was in a meeting and could not speak to the media.

- SAPA