Dear Sir,
I was pleased to hear you speak on a few changes that are being made in the LRA and procedures today and the topic could not have come at a more appropriate time. I am a teacher at a small private school that does fall under the DoE, 2 days before school closed in 2024, I was called in by management and was informed in writing that I have been charged with alleged misconduct, charges that my employer thought they could charge me with and they suspended me with pay with immediate effect despite not knowing what Sections of the LRA, BCEA, EEA,ELRA they were using to charge me and impose sanctions. I posed no threat physical or otherwise to any of the stakeholders to warrant a suspension. There is a functioning SGB in place but as my employer, they have outsourced my matter to an 'impartial chairperson ', they outsourced a venue from the school AND they have DENIED me my constitutional right to Union representation. I belong to NATU. The matter started on 9/12/24, it is ongoing, any requests I have made for chairperson credentials, outcome of investigation that led to charges and access to witness statements so I could defend myself have been denied. During this suspension period, I was hospitalized for diabetes and due to 3 aspirations on my knee an MRI was done and showed I needed a knee operation after an injury that occurred at the very same school in 2023. I decided not to go the COID route as I am a police widow and with my health challenges, I want my doctors to treat me on my Polmed medical aid and get paid quickly, and Labour does take longer to pay doctors. I am now in a brace and crutches for the next 6 weeks for my knee to heal, I think the process is on hold as I have kept my employer informed but I have received no response. The chairperson was not at all impartial, he insulted me and has no background in Education and the processes followed by DoE. He actually works for a recruitment company. I've been teaching 30 years and was a Principal when my husband passed suddenly. Due to the trauma, I did not work for 4 years, I decided to go private and primary after 25 years in the high school to do what I love but at a less hectic pace only to find myself being charged unfairly with serious issues with no proof. I was not allowed to record any of the proceedings on my cellphone thus far.
I have an unblemished record, having taught in KZN and Gauteng, I have NEVER been in a Disciplinary hearing or been suspended in my 30 year career, I am ofey with labour issues hence I thought to escalate this matter to you in the position that you hold in government.
I pray, I can be helped and the 'hire and fire' culture can be eradicated.
Grateful thanks,
Mrs Thiru Naidu