Teachers union Sadtu and trade union federation Cosatu expressed their disappointment at the failure of the Eastern Cape government to attend an education Indaba in East London.
The indaba was a sequel to the signing of an agreement last month that brought an end to a go-slow by Sadtu members in the province.
It also led to a renewed commitment to the culture of learning and teaching after Sadtu demanded the sacking of education superintendent-general, Modidima Mannay.
Cosatu secretary-general, Zwelinzima Vavi, says in the context of the agreement, it was disappointing that the Bhisho Education Deparftment failed to attend the indaba.
"This conference is about cultivating this new culture we need in the Eastern Cape. The agreement we signed on the 8th of February says unless that new spirit is embraced by all the parties we will not succeed. So, we are quite disappointed that they are not present," Vavi said.
