COSATU (Congress of South African Trade Unions), held a press conference to issue a statement on the irregular appointment of Western Cape Education Department’s HOD (Head pf Department), Brian Schreuder. The press statement was issued jointly with its alliance partners and affiliates the ANC (African National Congress), SACP (South African Communist Party), SANCO ( South African National Civic Organisation), COSAS (Congress of South African Students), SASCO (South African Student Congress) and SADTU (South African Democratic Teachers Union).

The Public Service Commission )PSC) in February 2020 was made aware via an anonymous tipoff that Brian Schreuder’s contract had been extended without due processes having been followed.

In terms of the Public Service Act, the contract of a person who has reached retirement can be extended with the approval of a resolution by the Provincial Parliament. Mr Schreuder’s contract had twice before been extended.

In its Investigation the PSC found that Schreuder’s contract had been extended without the required approval of the Provincial Parliament.

Seen speaking at the press conference is Malvern Du Bruyn (COSATU’s Western Cape Provincial Legislature), Muhammad Khalid Sayed (ANC MPL responsible for Education) and Jonovan Rustin (SADTU’s Western Cape Provincial Secretary).

At the time of the first extension of Brian Schreuders contract Helen Zille was Premiere of the Province with the MEC of Education being Debbie Schafer. When Alan Winde became Premiere of the Western Cape after the 2019 elections, Schafer was once again appointed as education MEC.