The KZN Circular No. 99 of 2022 is acknowledged for its sentiment to celebrate and honour His Majesty, King MisuZulu Ka Zwelithini Zulu. His Majesty’s coronation was observed with immense pride by many people in our society including the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU). SADTU is of the same view expressed by the Department of Education that this historic moment should form part of the history taught in our schools.
Albeit that, the South African Schools Act No. 84, 1996 advances the promotion of our diverse cultures and languages. Circular No. 99 of 2022 requesting all schools in the KwaZulu-Natal province to encourage all teachers, learners, and all other employees to wear traditional attire is perceived by SADTU as opposing the freedom of conscience assured by the Constitution of South Africa.
At the height of the mutually shared esteem for His Majesty, it must not be forgotten that policies guiding the Republic’s public education institutions mandate that in celebrating diversity, no cultural ethos must be dominant over others in public schools. Honoring our rainbow nation, Heritage Day is often a celebration of inclusivity and diversity across schools. Beyond this, there is no cultural observance within public schools that encourages learners, educators, and other education workers to wear specific cultural attire on any other day. Therefore, the SADTU calls upon the MEC for Education and HOD in KZN to explain the stance of this circular. Teachers and education workers must not feel obliged to honor this circular which in our view has elements of indoctrination which must be rejected with the contempt it deserves.
Lastly, SADTU is of the view that pursuing quality education must, in practice, be in avoidance of reverting to a state whereby only one language and culture finds expression in schools and the greater society.
THE END
Issued by the Secretariat Nomarashiya Caluza Provincial Secretary 082 611 7027/ dcaluza@SADTU.org za
Jabulani Nxumalo Deputy Provincial Secretary 082 611 7028 jabulaninxumalo93@yahoo.com