In a statement issued on Saturday, the union said the teachers have not been paid since April this year.

"The union’s stance is that no instruction should lead to non-payment of salaries of employees for several months in an attempt to control budgets. This leads to an unfortunate consequence of children being left behind the desks in the classroom without a teacher,” Provincial Secretary Matome Raphasha said.

“The situation has left schools without teachers and created an extra burden to [other] teachers in schools. The children are ultimately the ones affected as this leads to inadequate [staffing] and poor teaching and learning."

Raphasha said the temporary educators should be paid on or before August 23. He said if the department fails to pay, they would stage a protest.

However, spokesperson Dr Naledzani Rasila said the teachers that haven’t received their salaries should contact the department.

“Any teacher that has a problem can contact the department. We also work with Sadtu, so if they are facing any challenges with their members, they can address them to us,” he said.

- News 24.com