THE SA Democratic Teachers Union's leaders in Soweto will be arrested for contravening a court order forbidding them to hold a mass meeting during school hours on Monday.

On Sunday the Gauteng education department obtained a court interdict forbidding the teachers' from holding a meeting at Elkah Stadium in Rockville.

When the Sadtu members arrived at the stadium, they were greeted by members of the Johannesburg Metro Police Department.

They then moved their meeting to the nearby Thokoza Park.

The department went back to court after the teachers held the illegal meeting.

Spokesperson Charles Phahlane said yesterday: "The labour court has found Sadtu in contempt of court for contravening the interdict and has ordered that their provincial and central branch leadership be arrested and held in prison for 15 days. The law enforcement agencies are responsible for implementing the court order."

Sadtu regional secretary in Soweto Ronald Nyathi poured cold water on the pending arrests.

"Leaders can never be arrested. We are not interested in the interdict. The department is brainless. Instead of meeting us to discuss the recovery plan, they are opening cases against us."

In a statement Sadtu said "it has raised concern at the anti-labour relations attitude of the department, which has resorted to applying for a court interdict to prevent Sadtu members and the office-bearers from holding meetings or marches".

"As Sadtu we don't think the issuing of court interdicts will resolve the matter and improve the volatile post-public sector strike situation."

The union said they urged MEC Barbara Creecy to engage "to resolve this matter in the interest of a harmonious environment where learning and teaching can take place..."

Last night Moroka police spokesperson Warrant Officer Kay Makhubela said they had not as yet received instructions to arrest them.