RE: SADTU: Madisha removed from office

[Jon J. Lewis]

SOUTH AFRICAN DEMOCRATIC TEACHERS UNION (SADTU)

 

MEDIA RELEASE

 

29 July 2008

 

 

SADTU NEC: Comrade Madisha removed from office

 

 

 

A special National Executive Committee (NEC) of SADTU was held in Johannesburg last night, amongst others to consider the final report of the Disciplinary Committee (DC) convened to address allegations against the Union’s president, Comrade Willy Madisha.

 

The DC found as follows:

 

·        Comrade Madisha was guilty of unprofessional conduct and/or misconduct in ignoring the NWC decision of 7.08.2007 requiring NOBs to refrain from addressing the media on the alleged R500,000 donation.

 

·        Comrade Madisha was guilty of unprofessional conduct and/or misconduct in disobeying SADTU and COSATU resolutions to support the candidature of Comrade Zuma for the presidency of the ANC.

 

·        Comrade Madisha was guilty of unprofessional conduct, insubordination, and/or misconduct in deliberately violating the conditions of his suspension in that:

o       He continued to address structures of the Union, and

o       He refused to hand over the Union’s vehicle, petrol card and cellphone as requested.

 

 

The special NEC resolved to accept the report and recommendations of the Disciplinary Committee:

 

·        “The committee recommends that Madisha be dismissed as the president of SADTU with immediate effect.

·        Secondly, Madisha be suspended from leadership positions at all structures of SADTU for the period of ten (10) years from the date of this findings.

·        Thirdly Madisha may remain a member of the union but cannot represent any member or any structure in any union activities for the duration of the suspension.

·        Lastly that he hand over all assets of the union including vacating the union flat.”

Organisational Renewal

 

The meeting of the special NEC followed on a workshop to address the organizational renewal of the Union attended by representatives of SADTU’s 54 regions together with provincial and national leadership. The workshop addressed organizing and collective bargaining strategy as well as the future strategic direction of the Union. This was in preparation for triennial provincial conferences taking place next month.

 

 

SADTU is the largest union in the public service with 235,000 members and represents two-thirds of teachers.

 

The NEC brings together the national and provincial leadership of the Union.

 

 

CONTACT:

 

Thulas Nxesi, General Secretary                             082 460 2736