By Teboho Moloi
QWAQWA – The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) in the Free State has welcomed the removal of Thabo Mofutsanyana education district director, Lindiwe Sedibe, following a union march last month that called for her dismissal.
SADTU described the decision as a necessary step that will allow the district to “start moving forward.”
Provincial secretary, Bricks Moloi, told The Guard that the union is satisfied with the department’s decision to relieve Sedibe of her duties as district director.
“Our call for Sedibe’s removal was never personal, nor driven by ulterior motives. It was always in the best interest of education,” Moloi said.
He added that since Sedibe’s departure, members and staff have come forward to confirm the union’s long-standing concerns, including evidence of how SADTU-aligned principals were allegedly targeted during her leadership.
Moloi further cited the persistent shortage of subject advisors in the district as one of the critical issues under Sedibe’s management.
SADTU has also thrown its weight behind the appointment of Chief Director for Management and Support, Mosoeu Mokgobo, as acting district director.“We will support the due process to appoint a new permanent director,” Moloi said.
“Rest assured, her removal will not negatively impact upcoming examinations or matric results. Our teachers have always worked hard under difficult conditions, even without recognition.”
In a memorandum submitted during their march, SADTU accused Sedibe of failing to respect the union despite its recognition under the Labour Relations Act.
They also criticized her for not filling long overdue vacancies, neglecting to improve poor working conditions that affected staff health, and failing to ensure that assistant teachers received their stipends on time, sometimes waiting up to three months.
The union’s stance was further backed by COSATU, which had threatened to march to the provincial education offices if Sedibe was not removed.
The Free State Department of Education was not available for comment at the time of publication.
Reliable sources have informed The Guard that Sedibe will be redeployed elsewhere in the department, but not within the Thabo Mofutsanyana district nor in a director’s position.
