FIKILE-NTSIKELELO Moya's column, "Sadtu has declared war on the future of black children," ( Sowetan , October 26) refers.

Moya is not a teacher and does not know what it is like to be a teacher in South Africa today. What would he have done if part of his salary were docked and he was not informed ?

Moya writes: "Sadtu has demonstrated many times (sometimes in one academic year) that they have absolutely no interest in the welfare of black children."

This statement is an insult to all teachers in South Africa. Teaching is not a voluntary job. Many Sadtu members go the extra mile and spend their own money to ensure that their pupils, both white and black, get the best quality education .

Sadtu urges respect for education and to understand the economic conditions in which we find our teachers - both white and black . If Sadtu members strike the salaries of non-striking teachers will be docked too and will never be refunded.

For Moya's information, it is the department that has declared war on the future of all South African children.

Or perhaps you are jealous because you are talking about their salaries.

Since its inception Sadtu has represented its members very diligently and fairly and has never defended drunkards and child molesters. People like me know why we are such proud Sadtu members. For it is only in Sadtu that many of us are able to air our views. Sadtu is not only there for teachers' salaries.

Do more research and stop comparing Hendrik Verwoerd with the democratic Sadtu.

Tlou Choshi, Sadtu site steward: Barnato Park High School

Berea, Johannesburg