The Union is a voluntary association of members, not for gain, that aims to promote, protect and maintain the rights, status and interests of its members and advance quality education in South Africa, for purposes of which the Union shall…

1. promote a system of education that is non-discriminatory with regard to colour, language, gender, religion, ethnicity, origin, social class, birth, political or other convictions, disabilities, natural or cultural characteristics;

2. promote a system of education which focuses on the needs of the individual learner;

3. strive for an equitable system of education in South Africa which will satisfy the needs and aspirations of all its people;

4. strive for the establishment and the maintenance of effective compulsory education;

5. strive for the establishment and the maintenance of free public education;

6. assert the professional responsibility of educators to guide pupils and students in their care in the universal pursuit of knowledge and skills and in the development of full creative potential so that they may become responsible and self-supporting citizens of a democratic state;

7. ensure that the interests of learners are in no way prejudiced by any act or omission on the part of employees, whilst affirming the fundamental right of employees to strike;

8. render an effective service to and on behalf of its Members;

9. contribute to the development of all education legislation and all aspects of education policy and planning;

10. strive to maintain and enhance effective consultation, advisory, collective negotiating and bargaining mechanisms and structures for the organised teaching profession;

11. support a professional body which is responsible for the registration of educators, the promotion of professional development of educators and the maintenance of a code of conduct;

12. co-operate with parents, communities and other bodies in the quest for excellence in education;

13. promote effective involvement and interaction at local, regional, provincial, national and international levels;

14. obtain and disseminate relevant information;

15. promote the development of members by means of workshops, seminars and conferences;

16. assume financial responsibility for a fund or funds to be applied in the achievement of the objectives stated above, and to take any action to raise or obtain funds;

17. provide a collective voice in the pursuance of its aims and objectives including, but not limited to, continual evaluation and enhancement of legislation affecting education and education sector employees, as circumstances may require;

18. do all things necessary for the furtherance and achievement of any or all of the above objectives and in general serve the best interests of the Union, its members and its provincial structures.