The critique of the teachers’ trade union Sadtu against the FF Plus’s private member’s bill, which is mainly aimed at prohibiting protest actions near schools, goes to show that Sadtu misunderstood the main objective of the bill and the FF Plus is more than willing to explain the real objectives of the proposed bill to the union.
According to a media release, Sadtu said that the proposed bill is “informed by racial intention” and aimed at keeping white or “(Afrikaans-medium) schools lily white”.
That is not the intention with the proposed bill at all. The main objective of the bill is to prohibit all protests near schools and institutions where minors are present so as to protect children of all races.
Even though the events that transpired at High School Overvaal in Vereeniging were the catalyst for drafting the proposed bill, violent protest actions near schools are a common phenomenon, at predominantly black schools as well, and it is equally disruptive for both black and white learners.
The FF Plus believes that minors must not be involved in or affected by protest actions. Even non-violent protest actions can traumatise young children and the bill’s objectives are clearly morally sound.
The FF Plus is willing to meet with Sadtu to clarify the real objective of the proposed bill.
The notice was published on Thursday the 21st of June in the Government Gazette and the public has thirty days to respond. The final bill will be drafted using, among other things, the input and suggestions received from the public.
The FF Plus will also launch an awareness campaign on social media and has already created a website where people can register to show their support. The website is www.onskinders.co.za
Contact details: 082 391 3117 / 065 801 7216
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