National Professional Teachers' Organisation of South Africa
 | |
| Full name | National Professional Teachers' Organisation of South Africa |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1 November 2006 |
| Members | 45,000 [1] |
| Key people |
Basil Manuel, president Henry Hendricks, general secretary |
| Office location | Pretoria, South Africa |
| Country | South Africa |
| Website | www.naptosa.org.za |
History
NAPTOSA was registered by the Registrar of Labour Relations as a Trade Union on 1 November 2006. Furthermore, with in excess of 50,000 State employed members and a further 6,000 School Governing Body, College Council and Independent School members, making a total of 56,000 members, (in 2013) we are by far the second largest union in the education sector.
Objectives
The Union is a voluntary association of members not for gain acting in the activities of the Union and in order to adhere to its principles and to promote, protect and maintain the rights, status and interests of members in good standing, the Union shall:
- promote a system of education that is non-discriminatory with regard to colour, language, gender, religion, ethnicity, origin, social class, birth, political or other convictions, disabilities, natural or cultural characteristics;
- promote a system of education which focuses on the needs of the individual learner
- strive for an equitable system of education in South Africa which will satisfy the needs and aspirations of all its people;
- strive for the establishment and the maintenance of effective compulsory education;
- strive for the establishment and the maintenance of free public education;
- assert the professional responsibility of educators to guide pupils and students in their care in the universal pursuit of knowledge and skills and in the development of full creative potential so that they may become responsible and self-supporting citizens of a democratic state;
- ensure that the interests of learners are in no way prejudiced by any act or omission on the part of employees, whilst affirming the fundamental right of employees to strike;
- render an effective service to and on behalf of its Members.
- contribute to the development of all education legislation and all aspects of education policy and planning;
- strive to maintain and enhance effective consultation, advisory, collective negotiating and bargaining mechanisms and structures for the organised teaching profession;
- support a professional body which is responsible for the registration of educators, the promotion of professional development of educators and the maintenance of a code of conduct;
- co-operate with parents, communities and other bodies in the quest for excellence in education;
- promote effective involvement and interaction at local, regional, provincial, national and international levels;
- obtain and disseminate relevant information;
- promote the development of members by means of workshops, seminars and conferences;
- assume financial responsibility for a fund or funds to be applied in the achievement of the objectives stated above, and to take any action to raise or obtain funds;
- provide a collective voice in the pursuance of its aims and objectives including, but not limited to, continual evaluation and enhancement of legislation affecting education and education sector employees, as circumstances may require;
- do all things necessary for the furtherance and achievement of any or all of the above objectives and in general serve the best interests of the Union, its members and its provincial structures.
Logo
NAPTOSA’s logo has been very prominent during the past year – on news flashes, official documents, t-shirts, track suits and banners displayed during industrial action and seen on our TV screens. We know the logo, but do we know what it symbolises?
When the NAPTOSA Federation amalgamated with six other unions on 1 November 2006, it was decided that the essence of the Federation’s logo would be retained, as it was already well known within the education sector and the teaching profession and would continue to contribute to the future branding of the amalgamated NAPTOSA Union. However, certain elements have been changed or been added to reflect what the new amalgamated union stands for.
The motto “Teach with dignity” was retained, together with the NAPTOSA colours : blue symbolising industriousness and gold, dignity.
The shield which forms the basis of the logo was adapted in order to reflect an African influence.
A new element which was added is the seven convergent panels at the base of the logo. These panels represent the six independent unions and the NAPTOSA Federation that amalgamated to form a single union.
The two shepherd’s crooks have been retained from the old logo and symbolise the fact that teachers walk in front, leading the learners.
The burning candle at the crest of the logo indicates enlightenment – the primary task of the educator.
This is indeed a logo of which every NAPTOSA member can be truly proud.
References
- ↑ Education Labour Relations Council, 31 August 2011, Vote Weights for the Trade Unions that are Parties to Council
