It is with deep humility that I stand before this National Council today—our first meeting of the year 2026 and my first address in this new term of office. The previous term demanded extraordinary effort and dedication, yet together we successfully delivered on every priority set by the 2022 National Conference. That achievement fills me with pride.

I thank the Council for the consistent and principled support you provided to the outgoing Central Executive Board during those demanding years. I now appeal to you to extend the same strong backing to the current Board as we implement the resolutions and priorities adopted at the 2025 National Conference.

I also express my appreciation to my colleagues on the Board and across our structures for the bold decision to host our National Conference outside KwaZulu-Natal for the first time in our 107-year history—convening it in Gauteng. This important step reinforces our identity as a truly national teachers’ union, present and active in every province. My sincere thanks go to all delegates who attended, and especially to those who covered their own travel and participation costs for the Open Day—your commitment strengthens our organisation.

The distribution of the 2026 NATU Diaries was executed efficiently and effectively. I extend particular thanks to Mrs. Mbatha, our Vice President, for leading this critical initiative, and to the entire Central Executive Board for ensuring its smooth delivery. These diaries are essential tools, packed with valuable information created specifically to support and empower our members in their daily work.

On the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS), NATU will not permit any organisation to undermine or interfere with our long-standing efforts to resolve the serious challenges our members have faced with this scheme for over a decade. It is only now—after NATU has secured a court date—that certain other organisations have begun to speak out. We reject any attempt to claim credit for our persistent advocacy. The courts will confirm NATU’s leading role in this fight. We stand firm on this matter.

As we celebrate our 108th Anniversary as an autonomous, member-owned teachers’ union, let us renew our commitment to securing NATU’s future for the generations that follow. The strength and vitality of NATU today are the direct result of the dedication, sacrifice, and collective work of our past leaders. It is our responsibility to build on that legacy by contributing actively and purposefully so that NATU remains strong for at least another 108 years. To achieve this, we must focus on strengthening our core structures—particularly our School Building Representatives (SBR’s), who form the foundation of this union. Let us work together as Branch Executives in unified purpose for the benefit of our members. We must hold regular mass meetings, conduct school visits, and engage directly with members. As leaders, we have a duty to defend our members firmly and without hesitation—never allowing intimidation from rival unions or departmental officials to deter us.

The opportunity for expansion is clear and real. Teachers and education workers across the country are seeking NATU because they value our professionalism, our commitment to justice, and our relentless focus on member welfare. Members join the union itself—not individual leaders. The time when any single person could overshadow the organisation has passed. NATU belongs to its members, the rank and file. Let us therefore launch a determined, organised, and sustained recruitment drive—every leader and member playing an active role in bringing new educators into our ranks.

We welcome the appointment of NATU members as markers for the national examinations. To those who were appointed, thank you for upholding the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and discipline at the marking centres. The Department trusts NATU because our members have consistently demonstrated dedication, accountability, and ethical conduct. We will continue to insist that educators—you who face challenging working conditions in the classroom—must not be excluded from marking opportunities.

On legal representation and member defense, NATU remains fully committed to representing members in all legitimate work-related matters. However, we draw a clear and firm ethical line; NATU will not provide representation or support to individuals credibly implicated in the sexual abuse or molestation of learners. Such behaviour is morally indefensible and professionally unacceptable. We take this position openly and unapologetically. At the same time, we insist on thorough, fair investigations in every case to distinguish genuine allegations from malicious or fabricated claims intended to remove people from positions of responsibility. By upholding justice, due process, and high ethical standards, we protect NATU’s reputation as a professional and principled teachers’ union.

In conclusion, let us reaffirm the qualities of strong, effective leadership that NATU requires of us. Leadership begins with integrity and authenticity—consistently upholding honesty, ethical conduct, and principled decision-making. This is the foundation of trust and credibility with our members. Effective communication means listening attentively to members’ concerns, articulating our positions clearly, and mobilizing our collective strength around shared objectives.

We must maintain a clear vision that inspires and unites us. We must develop emotional intelligence—understanding our own responses and those of our colleagues. Resilience is essential; standing firm in difficult times, remaining composed under pressure, and turning challenges into opportunities for progress. Our decisions must be informed, decisive, and always directed toward advancing the interests of members. And we must commit to continuous improvement through experience and reflection.

As Jon Gordon reminds us: “Leadership is not a title. It is an act of service to make the people around you and your organisation better.”

Thank you. Viva NATU!