SADTU+response+to+Olive+Shisana+of+HSRC+re+teachers,+sex+and+money



=SADTU PRESS RELEASE - 19 DECEMBER 2006=

The South African Democratic Teachers Union is concerned at the statement by Olive Shisana, the CEO of the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), that some teachers are engaging in risky sexual behaviour to supplement their low salaries, and are thus becoming more vulnerable to HIV infection.

While it is true that many teachers are paid low salaries, the union totally refutes the implication that low-paid teachers are becoming prostitutes to augment their salaries. This is simply not true.

This way in which comment has been reported creates the impression that there is a general tendency for teachers to sell their bodies. SADTU totally rejects this generalisation and is worried that it could create an entirely false impression.

This is particularly important, as teachers are role models for children, and indeed for other adults. Generalisations such as this could seriously undermine the respect in which teachers are held, which is essential if they are to command moral authority in their schools and communities.


 * Issued by Willie Madisha, President, South African Democratic Teachers Union** **(082 783 2967)**

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