Pretoria - Government has voiced its shock and disappointment at the behaviour of South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) members, who publicly displayed a piece of underclothing that they attributed to Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga.
The piece of underclothing was displayed by SADTU members, who took to the streets on Wednesday, demanding the resignation of Motshekga and the Department’s Director-General, Booby Soobrayan.
Acting Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) CEO, Phumla Williams, said the act was not only demeaning to Motshekga but to every South African woman.
“This kind of behaviour is degrading, disrespectful and infringes the rights of women which are enshrined in our hard fought for Constitution. It is very ironic that the trade unions who played an important role in the liberation struggle of our country and in particular the drafting of the Constitution are the very ones that are degrading the hard fought for freedoms.
“It is very worrying that such acts appear to be socially normalized and accepted. Whilst, South Africans enjoy the freedom to protest, they must exercise this freedom within the confinements of the law and uphold the values of our Constitution," Williams said on Thursday.
Williams added that teachers were supposed to lead by example and should always display good behaviour as they have an enormous influence on pupils.
Government called on teachers, communities and society to seek for the promotion and advancement of the freedoms enshrined in the Constitution.
“In particular, citizens should refrain from perpetuating gender-based stereotypes and violence, and strive to uphold the principles of a free and democratic society,” said Williamns. – SAnews.gov.za
