To read a full M&G article about COSATU's endorsement, click here.
Trade union federation Cosatu has thrown its weight behind mounting grassroots action aimed at getting libraries into every public school in the country.
Only eight percent of public schools have adequate libraries and most of these are in privileged former Model C schools. Access to book is something that every child needs from grade 1.
On Wednesday afternoon the EE unveiled its campaign in Cape Town at a press conference, announcing a mass march in the city on Sunday — Human Rights Day. This will be followed by further marches in Pretoria-Tshwane and Polokwane on March 26 and 30.
The EE has amassed 50 000 signatures nationally in support of the call for school libraries. 10 000 learners from Western Cape schools were expected to participate in Sunday's march.
The memorandum which will be handed over to Education Director-General Mr Bobby Soobrayan has been endorsed by over 50 organisations. A random sampling currently includes: Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), Treatment Action Campaign (TAC), Social Justice Coalition (SJC), National And Professional Teachers of South Africa (NAPTOSA) Gauteng, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Student Representative Council (SRC), Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU), Amnesty International South Africa, The Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA) WC, The Christian Assemblies Welfare Organization, and Habonim South Africa.
