×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

Unions manipulate Zuma

SADTU General Secretary Thulasi Nxesi during the Joint Mandating Committee of Cosatu public service unions responding to the PIC's acquisition of Telkom stake, at the SADTU National office in downtown Johannesburg 18/11/2004.Pic. Thembinkosi Dwayisa. 08/11/2004. © SUNDAY TIMES
SADTU General Secretary Thulasi Nxesi during the Joint Mandating Committee of Cosatu public service unions responding to the PIC's acquisition of Telkom stake, at the SADTU National office in downtown Johannesburg 18/11/2004.Pic. Thembinkosi Dwayisa. 08/11/2004. © SUNDAY TIMES

IT IS too late for ANC president Jacob Zuma to muzzle South African Democratic Teachers Union. The unions, through Cosatu, are leading our national democratic revolution.

Already Zuma has bowed to pressure to weaken Trevor Manuel and later Joel Netshitenzhe, who has left the Presidency.

Sadtu is a dominant force in Cosatu and its business unit funds Cosatu and SACP campaigns, including the Left's activities to boost Msholozi's chances at Polokwane. Indeed, Zuma is number one today.

It was Sadtu that abandoned classrooms to support our president during his difficult times with the NPA.

First the working class, then professionals must form the core of Cosatu. Teachers, nurses and police are petty bourgeoisie, with benefits. They are not workers in the classical Marxist interpretation. Cosatu must be led by NUM, Saccawu, Numsa and other unions of ordinary workers.

Sadtu perpetuates reproduction of the African working class by spending half of their working hours loafing, rather than teaching.

Zuma is unable to muzzle the teacher union and it is Zwelinzima Vavi and Thulas Nxesi who made him the king.

Mabel Phatudi, Welkom

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.