Storm over Creecy criticism

2011-03-11 15:44

Johannesburg - The Gauteng ANC said on Friday it was fully behind the province's education MEC Barbara Creecy, who came under a scathing racial attack by SA Democratic Teachers' Union (Sadtu) Gauteng chairperson Moss Senye.

Meanwhile, Sadtu has distanced itself from Senye's alleged comments that Creecy is a satanist and hates black people.

"The attacks are unwarranted because the MEC has done an excellent job to improve the level of education in Gauteng," ANC spokesperson Dumisa Ntuli said.

"The statements are worthless and are made by leaders who do not prioritise education. The insults would not deter the MEC and ANC from championing good education programmes."

He condemned Senye's remarks describing it as "irresponsible" and "reckless".

Comments

Ntuli was responding to racist and satanic comments allegedly made by Senye at a mass meeting in Soweto on Thursday over Creecy's "no work, no pay" policy. The Sowetan newspaper said Senye labelled Creecy "satanic" and allegedly warned members not to align themselves with white people.

He reportedly said: "Whether Barbara likes it or not, we will have our meetings. Despite Barbara, we will vote for the ANC during the elections and they will remove her. Let us not embrace satanic people. Down with satanism... You cannot be friends with white people, they will satanise you."

In a telephone conversation with Sapa on Friday, Senye called on Creecy to step down saying she focused only on white schools and hated black people.

"She just hates black people. She only gives cellphones to teachers and principals in white schools and now she is putting fences for them."

He questioned where the money came from and accused her of neglecting black schools that had huge textbook shortages and deteriorating facilities.

Statement 'regrettable'

Sadtu's Gauteng secretary Mugwena Maluleke said Senye's statements were "highly regrettable".

"Sadtu is a non-racial organisation and would therefore not advocate for any of its members to distance themselves from any racial grouping. Racism has no place in Sadtu."

Maluleke said the union's national office would instruct the Gauteng provincial executive to investigate the matter and provide a full report on it.

- SAPA