Tebogo Monama and Sibongile Mashaba

Tebogo Monama and Sibongile Mashaba

Teachers who stayed away from school for two days to protest against the firing of 28 "lazy" colleagues will return to their posts today because the education department has decided to re-instate them.

Yesterday, unions, teacher unions and parents of Kwa-Bhekilanga pupils were locked in a meeting in Alexandra trying to resolve the issue.

Gauteng education department spokesman Panyaza Lesufi said they were in negotiations with the unions and could not divulge anything until negotiations are concluded today.

However, South African Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu) regional secretary Ronald Nyathi said: "I cannot say what we discussed.

"All I can say is that Sadtu is very satisfied with the discussions so far.

"We decided to unanimously not to discuss the matter until we sent out a joint media statement.

"Anyone who talks about this will create war in Alexandra."

Addressing teachers on Friday, Nyathi said: "The department has come to its senses and decided to reverse its decision to fire 28 teachers from Kwa-Bhekilanga Secondary School in the township.

"No one will charge you with misconduct. If your principals tell you to fill in any forms just call us and say there is a chimpanzee in your school.

"We will understand and take action."