Vision

To be the leading professional home and authoritative voice in the education sector.

To achieve this vision, the SAOU believes:

• In the supremacy of quality education as a powerful agent of change in the world; and that
• High quality education is the undisputed right of every learner within an equal, non-racial, non-discriminatory education system.

Mission

• To improve the professional status of educators at all times;
• To establish a comprehensive service delivery model for educators; and
• To improve the socio-economic benefits of educators in terms of labour legislation.

To realise this mission the Union strives towards:

• The highest professionalization of all educators;
• The continual improvement of all aspects of working life in the education sector; and
• The SAOU is a politically independent Union built on the principle of freedom, equality and respect for fundamental human rights, in order to enhance and protect the individual and collective interest of its members within any existing or future labour relations dispensation and assure the delivery of quality education to the learners in their care.

Objectives

To that end, the Union strives:

1. To live a value-driven leadership model that protects our identity, culture and credibility;
2. Maintain value-driven adaptability - staying true to our core values, while proactively innovating to remain relevant and prominent within a dynamic and changing education landscape;
3. Offer an informed data-driven, member-centred value proposition that drives growth and loyalty;
4. To be the authoritative voice in policy debates and help shape the education agende;
5. Establish strategic and relevant relationships, alliances, and networks to build and maintain our influence and representation; and to
6. Constantly develop our internal capacity, strategic thinking and data intelligence for better execution.

Underlying Principles

As underlying principles, the SAOU states that:

• All educators should strive towards a high level of professionalism;
• It strives towards the improvement of all aspects of working life in the education sector;
• Education is best presented in the learner’s mother tongue; and
• High quality education is the undeniable right of every learner within an equal, non-racial, non-discriminatory education system.

Values

• SAOU advises with Integrity
• SAOU accepts Accountability
• SAOU strives for Excellence
• At the SAOU we treat others with Respect

Our brand personality

• Reliable
• Approachable
• Professional
• Friendly

The SAOU Song: A New voice for a proud legacy

In the year that the SAOU celebrates its 30th anniversary, another significant milestone is reached with the introduction of the organisation's first official song.



The idea for an SAOU song emerged after SAOU representatives attended Education International world congresses in Bangkok (2019) and Buenos Aires (2024). At these gatherings, the important role that organisational songs play in fostering unity, pride and a sense of belonging among members became evident. The experience inspired discussions about creating a song that would reflect the unique character, values and aspirations of the SAOU.

During the development process, particular care was taken to ensure that the song reflects the diversity of the SAOU's membership. For this reason, the song incorporates both Afrikaans and English, bringing different language communities together in a shared message. The objective was not merely to create a ceremonial song, but to establish a musical expression with which members could identify and through which the core values of the organisation could be conveyed.

The song was written by collaborators from the North-West University (NWU), to whom the SAOU extends its sincere appreciation for their creativity and insight. The composition reflects the organisation's history, its Christian value system, its commitment to serving education and its dedication to professional excellence.

The chorus captures these values beautifully:

"SAOU het die weg gesien:
Dis krag van Bo
van die Een in wie ons glo –
en om onderwys te dien:
Dis die hoogste doel!"

The song was first shared with members at the 2025 SAOU Principals' Symposium. Principals attending the symposium were afforded the opportunity to express their views on the song and indicate their support for it. The positive response confirmed that the song resonates with members and reflects the values for which the SAOU stands.

At the National Congress in June 2026 – a particularly special congress during which the SAOU also celebrates its 30th anniversary – the song will make its official debut. In doing so, it marks not only the establishment of a new tradition, but also creates another opportunity to strengthen the sense of pride, unity and belonging shared by SAOU members.

Just as the organisation has grown over three decades into a respected voice in education, the SAOU song will serve as a musical expression of the values, convictions and ideals that unite the organisation and its members.