HOPEACADEMY
SAE 3701
Assignment 03
DUE 2 July 2025
2025
Question:
Evaluate the role of teacher unions in the democratic era, particularly in the context of their
advocacy for educators' rights and their impact on education policy. In your response,
consider both the positive and negative effects of union activities, such as strikes on the
education system. Use the recent scenario of teacher strikes in South Africa as a case study
to support your analysis. (30 X 2 = 60 marks)
0 7 6 4 0 3 1 2 2 9
, SAE 3701 Assignment 03
Submission date: 2 July 2025
Unique number: 185362
QUESTION 1
1.Provide a heading for your essay.
The Role of Teacher Unions in South Africa’s Democratic Education System
2. Write an introduction.
In the democratic era, teacher unions have played a vital role in defending the
rights of educators and shaping the education landscape. These unions act as
collective voices for teachers, advocating for fair wages, better working
conditions, and improved school infrastructure. In South Africa, where schools
often face challenges such as overcrowded classrooms, limited resources, and
unequal access to quality education, teacher unions like SADTU (South African
Democratic Teachers Union) have become especially influential. Recently, a series
of nationwide strikes brought attention to key issues in the public education
system, sparking debate over the effectiveness of union-led action. Supporters
argue that unions ensure teachers are heard and respected in policy-making,
while critics highlight the disruption to learners’ progress. This essay evaluates the
role of teacher unions in democratic South Africa by exploring the impact of their
advocacy, the pros and cons of strike action, and their overall influence on
education policy and classroom learning.
3. Discuss the different types of issues that may lead to the strikes.
Several issues can lead teacher unions to organise strikes, especially in a country
like South Africa where the education system faces complex challenges. These
issues are usually rooted in both labour-related demands and broader systemic
inequalities that affect schools and teaching conditions.
SAE 3701
Assignment 03
DUE 2 July 2025
2025
Question:
Evaluate the role of teacher unions in the democratic era, particularly in the context of their
advocacy for educators' rights and their impact on education policy. In your response,
consider both the positive and negative effects of union activities, such as strikes on the
education system. Use the recent scenario of teacher strikes in South Africa as a case study
to support your analysis. (30 X 2 = 60 marks)
0 7 6 4 0 3 1 2 2 9
, SAE 3701 Assignment 03
Submission date: 2 July 2025
Unique number: 185362
QUESTION 1
1.Provide a heading for your essay.
The Role of Teacher Unions in South Africa’s Democratic Education System
2. Write an introduction.
In the democratic era, teacher unions have played a vital role in defending the
rights of educators and shaping the education landscape. These unions act as
collective voices for teachers, advocating for fair wages, better working
conditions, and improved school infrastructure. In South Africa, where schools
often face challenges such as overcrowded classrooms, limited resources, and
unequal access to quality education, teacher unions like SADTU (South African
Democratic Teachers Union) have become especially influential. Recently, a series
of nationwide strikes brought attention to key issues in the public education
system, sparking debate over the effectiveness of union-led action. Supporters
argue that unions ensure teachers are heard and respected in policy-making,
while critics highlight the disruption to learners’ progress. This essay evaluates the
role of teacher unions in democratic South Africa by exploring the impact of their
advocacy, the pros and cons of strike action, and their overall influence on
education policy and classroom learning.
3. Discuss the different types of issues that may lead to the strikes.
Several issues can lead teacher unions to organise strikes, especially in a country
like South Africa where the education system faces complex challenges. These
issues are usually rooted in both labour-related demands and broader systemic
inequalities that affect schools and teaching conditions.
