Education Minister's sentiments on Christianity in schools

Cheryllyn Dudley MP – ACDP

Friday, 15 August 2002


African Christian Democratic Party MP Mrs Cheryllyn Dudley asked the Minister of Education, Mr Kader Asmal the following written question:

Question 971

Whether he recalls his response to Oral question No 162 on 6 June 2001, to the effect that Christianity is the problem and that he personally would see to it that never again would any South African child have to be indoctrinated by Christianity; if so,
whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that words to this effect are not recorded in the Hansard under the date; if so,
whether he expressed this sentiment on that or any other occasion; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so what are the relevant details?


The Minister’s reply:

I recall very well my response to oral question 162 on 6 June 2001, and I regret if it is not part of Hansard. My attention has not been drawn to this fact, and I am not sure what can be done about it at this stage. Fortunately, my office keeps records, and a copy of this reply can be provided to Mrs Dudley.

I have to say that what is put forward in this question, as the content of my response on that occasion, is a serious misrepresentation of the actual response. This questions attempts to put words into my mouth, in a rather crude attempt to characterise the views and policies of the Ministry of Education, and me personally, as being hostile to Christianity. This is not the case at all. My view, which I have often stated, and stated in my earlier reply, is that no religious indoctrination of any kind will be tolerated in the national education system.

In the former political dispensation, the public education system was overtly used to promote a Christian national view of the world. Education amounted to a massive indoctrination of learners and teachers, regardless of their own beliefs or faith orientations, to subscribe to the religious and political tenets of protestant Christianity. This was not only unfair to people of other faiths, and bad for the country, it was also bad for Christianity itself. I have therefore made it clear that this should not be allowed to happen again, and to construe this is an attack on Christianity in general is not logical. I subscribe to the parity of esteem principle – parity of esteem for all religions.

The revised National Curriculum Statement provides that Christianity will in fact be taught in schools. Such teaching will not be about Christianity, as it will be about the other major religions of South Africa. This will not involve religious catechism, propaganda or indoctrination of any sort, but will be an essential part of social and civic education of our learners, providing them with the knowledge, skills and attitudes required by citizens in a democratic and pluralistic society. I have met with the leaders of all major religious groupings in the country, including the indigenous African churches, and without exemption they have endorsed this approach for education.


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For further comment please call Cheryllyn Dudley MP at 082 8906520 or ACDP Media Liaison Liza Bloemetje at 082 4781037