WHO IS THE SAOU
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:
- To live a value-driven leadership model that protects our identity, culture and credibility;
- 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;
- Offer an informed data-driven, member-centred value proposition that drives growth and loyalty;
- To be the authoritative voice in policy debates and help shape the education agende;
- Establish strategic and relevant relationships, alliances, and networks to build and maintain our influence and representation; and to
- 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
