The national education department has urged political parties against campaigning in schools ahead of the general elections scheduled for April 2009.
Education minister Naledi Pandor warned against conducting ”any campaigning directed at learners or teachers during school time, and noted with ”grave concern” that teachers in Gauteng had attended a political meeting in school time.
Reiterating the decision of a recent council of education ministers meeting she said: ”Political parties must not conduct any campaigning directed at learners or teachers during school time.
”Teachers and learners should not be allowed to attend campaign meetings during school hours.”
She urged all teachers to remain committed to the pledges in the Quality Teaching and Learning Campaign.
”Such an action impacts negatively on our resolve to improve the quality of education. Campaigning must only take place after school hours.”– Sapa