SADTU slams call for KZN learners to wear traditional regalia

The South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) has joined the Democratic Alliance and other unions who have criticised the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Department of Education for ‘forcing’ learners to wear traditional regalia to celebrate the new Zulu King Misuzulu KaZwelithini. 

Last week, the KZN Department of Education urged educators and learners to wear traditional regalia to honour and celebrate the new king, citing how historical Misuzulu’s ascendancy to the throne is. 

SADTU JOINS THOSE SLAMMING KZN DOE

SADTU said it perceives the department’s call as opposing the freedom of conscience assured by the Constitution of South Africa. 

SADTU Provincial Secretary, Nomarashiya Caluza, said at the height of the mutually shared esteem for King Misuzulu, it must not be forgotten that policies guiding the country’s public education institutions mandate that in celebrating diversity, no cultural ethos must be dominant over others in public schools. 

“As a way of paying tribute to His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, leaners, educators and non-educators are wearing their traditional attire today. We are all showing pride in our culture and tradition," MEC for Education Mbali Frazer said.

Bayede!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/uhrQoJifbc

— KZN Provincial Gov (@kzngov) August 30, 2022

“Honouring 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 encourage learners, educators and other education workers to wear specific cultural attire on any other particular day,” she said. 

Caluza said teachers and education workers must not feel obliged to honour the department’s call. 

“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,” she said.

The DA also urged the Department of Education in the province must respect the right to practise religion and culture in keeping with South Africa’s Bill of Rights after learners were asked to wear traditional regalia.

The DA said it fully supports the marking of this historic occasion – as long as no individual is forced to observe it. However, the department did say that no one is forced.

ALSO READ: DA KZN against learners being ‘forced’ to celebrate new Zulu king