Teachers Are Better Politicians � Radibe
Lindiwe Mozola | Monday September 11, 2017 16:27
He was speaking during the 80th BTU anniversary held over the weekend here.
“You need to be fearless and join politics because you are in a far much better position to fight for the rights of the nation as you have a better understanding of the struggles you are facing hence the better place you can be heard is when you are part and parcel of the policy makers.
“I also urge more, especially female teachers, to join politics as a tribute to the challenges used by your founding mothers who were not treated equally,” Radibe said. He did not shy away from revealing that he was fired from his teaching profession because he was advocating for the rights of teachers whom he said are at the mercy of government.
“I am not ashamed to tell this gathering that I was fired from teaching and I am happy because I was fired doing a noble deed that is to fight for what I believe in,” he said.
He said as one of the founding fathers of the union, there are a number of successes they have made, noting that from humble beginnings, there were those who doubted that they will make it this far, as they were seen as just a little union known for music and sports.
Radibe said their achievements could be traced back to the years when they fought for equal treatment amongst female teachers and their male counterparts.
He added that BTU was also not treated like other unions, which received financial help from the government. He said that did not make them lose hope because instead, they marched on with the little they had since they knew what their vision entailed and today they shine amongst the rest.
“I therefore urge you to celebrate this 80th anniversary with one goal in mind, that is to never forget where we come from. Moreover, do not be discouraged by some of the issues affecting your sister unions. Raise up your heads and move forward remembering the beautiful foundation we left behind,” Radibe said.
For his part, assistant court president Michael Maforaga, who is also a former BTU member, encouraged teachers to continue building the society despite being forgotten by the same people they moulded into becoming esteemed leaders.