SowetanLive reports that five teacher unions have rejected the Department of Basic Education’s (DBE’s) intention to cancel the October school holidays to compensate for the days lost as a result of the early closure for the winter holidays.

This proposal was communicated on Saturday to the unions recognised by the Education Labour Relations Council, namely the SA Democratic Teachers' Union (Sadtu), National Professional Teachers Organisation of SA (Naptosa), SA Teachers Union (SAOU), National Teachers Union (Natu) and Professional Educators Union (PEU). But, the unions complained that they were not consulted on this matter and their members needed a break from the busy academic schedule to avoid burnout or fatigue. The unions said they were in unison and empathic in urging the department to factor in the pressure and mental health of teachers as they grappled with and endeavoured to catch up on the lost time. This has forced the DBE to go back to the drawing board. DBE spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga indicated: “We are presently in a meeting with the stakeholders and the head of education department committee will discuss the matter again tomorrow [Wednesday].”

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Yoliswa Sobuwa at SowetanLive

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