It is shocking to learn that the new gospel according to the ANC is to make teaching an essential service ("Teachers should not strike", June 19).

It goes without saying that teachers play a vital role in moulding this nation. But it is also important to note that teachers are poorly paid.

If the ANC wants to classify teaching as an essential service, they must start treating teachers with respect and pay them enough. It is also important for the ANC to take note that the SA Democratic Teachers' Union is a key alliance partner. It will be painful to see a separation caused by poor vision from the greedy few in the leadership of the party.

The statement by KwaZulu-Natal secretary Sihle Zikalala is premature and misleading.

I hope and believe that the teacher's union in the province will oppose and squash such a move being forwarded to the ANC's policy conference.

These uninformed statements are made while there is a deadlock in the negotiation chamber, where the government is doing what it does best: undermining the rights of teachers by denying them the right to a living wage. It is high time politicians stopped undermining teachers and raised questions on whether teachers are paid well or not.