The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union in North West (SADTU NW) has publish a statement noting the media statement released by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) on the arrest of the administrator of North West education department.
The union further notes that the minister Angie Motshekga made a commitment to swiftly appoint another an interim official to take over and ensure that the administration of the department is not compromised.
The statement further said DBE must, in appointing the administrator, consider experience, ethical conduct and the best interest of education as whole. Sadtu also urge the DBE to provide support to overcome the challenges.
The teacher union said they are against any form of corruption and believe in the principle of being assumed to be innocent until proven guilty and furthermore they will await the outcome of the trial.
Through a media statement, the department confirmed that the arrest is related to the ongoing investigation by the Hawks on the collapse of VBS, which saw a number of elderly women losing their savings to the bank.
The department stated that when the administrator was appointed to the position there were no criminal charges under his name and all due processes leading to his appointment were followed.
The union affirmed that they have absolute confidence in the court’s ability to dispense justice without fear, favouritism or discrimination.
[DBE NEWS] The Department of Basic Education notes the arrest of North West Education Department administrator.@ElijahMhlanga pic.twitter.com/YvyvFoynJm
— Dep. Basic Education (@DBE_SA) November 16, 2021
