Religion in Education controversy rages on

African Christian Democratic Party MP Cheryllyn Dudley

17 June 2003

The Director-General of Education Mr Thamsanqa Dennis Mseleku's statement
that religion in education is not controversial issue is misleading. Has he
been reading the numerous submissions from the public, the newspaper
articles or petitions from schools?

This issue has been contentious from the beginning, as the department has
tried to overrule the religious rights of parents, teachers and learners.

At the department's revised Religion in Education policy briefing in
Parliament on Tuesday, the department's apparent compromise on many
controversial points in the policy did not disguise the fact that its
intentions to remove 'Christian indoctrination' from schools have not
changed. The department has merely realised that cannot slide such a blatant
policy through.

After an initial ban on single-faith religious observances during school
hours, the department has relented to pressure, saying that single faiths
could theoretically be accommodated provided that children from other faiths
are excused.

Interestingly, although the policy refers to public schools, the
department's Constitutionally-based argument applies equally to private
schools. Does the government plan to issue religious orders to privately
funded institutions?

The department also confirmed our understanding that the department assumes
itself to be the 'public authority' that sets the rules for religious
observances at schools (Section 15.2.A of the Constitution). The basis for
this is questionable. Which legislation gives the Minister and his
department the authority to shape children's beliefs even against their
parent's wishes? This also undermines the powers of school governing bodies
as they are given a mandate and powers yet have these powers yet have to get
permission for everything from the department.

The department's refusal to be drawn into explaining whether Religion
Education as a school subject would be compulsory and examinable is
unacceptable. If it were indeed a compulsory subject, learners would be
prevented from excusing themselves based on conscientious objectives.

This policy is based on the hidden premise that Christians were the
previously advantaged religious group and that now equality is needed. The
ANC monopolises the phrase 'majority rule' but then refuses to acknowledge
the Christian majority.

The fact that this revised policy will be released for public comment during
school holidays, when many teachers, parents and school governing bodies are
away, is regrettable. This policy requires more consultation and should be
revisited from scratch.



For more information: Cheryllyn Dudley MP at 082 890 6520
Media Liaison: Charmaine Horne at 084 370 3550 or 021 403 3307