Taxpayers of all religions
and none in Swaziland will have to help foot a E20 million ($US1.5m) bill to
fund the new edict that only Christianity may be taught in schools.
The controversial move was designed to ensure children learned ‘Christian values’ above others.
The controversial move was designed to ensure children learned ‘Christian values’ above others.
The Swazi Observer, a newspaper in effect owned by King Msawti III, the
absolute monarch in Swaziland reported Martin Dlamini, the Swazi Minster of
Finance, told parliament on Friday (24 February 2017), ‘The main objective
behind the Christian-based Religious Education is to enable the learner to
develop Christian virtues and to build a personal Christian ideal to inspire
learners’ development and maturity.
‘The focus would be on
transmitting knowledge of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.’
The new
ruling came into force in January 2017 at the start of the
school term. Until then, the Religious
Education syllabus had included Christianity, Islam, Baha’i faith and Swazi
ancestors. The decision reportedly came from the Swazi Cabinet, which is
handpicked by King Mswati III.
Also, all pupils will be
obliged to take Religious Education throughout their time at primary and high
school.
The Times of
Swaziland, the only independent daily
newspaper in the kingdom, reported
on 19 January 2017 that Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Pat
Muir, said government was targeting the ability for school children to
differentiate between morality and immorality and also to ensure that children
were not confused.
The Times reported, ‘He said they believed Christianity was the best
way to achieve this.’
The move could be against the spirit, if not the letter, of the Swazi Constitution. When the 2005 Constitution was being drafted, it was decided not to insist that Swaziland was a Christian country. This was to encourage freedom of religion.
The move could be against the spirit, if not the letter, of the Swazi Constitution. When the 2005 Constitution was being drafted, it was decided not to insist that Swaziland was a Christian country. This was to encourage freedom of religion.
Lawyers for Human Rights
spokesperson Sabelo Masuku said although Swaziland was predominantly Christian,
the Government had to consider the Swazi Constitution which made it clear there
was freedom of religious choice.
Nkosingiphile Myeni,
Communications Officer of The Coordinating Assembly of Non-Governmental
Organisations (CANGO) in Swaziland, a network of NGOs, ecumenical bodies and
other faith-based organisations, said, ‘Firstly, government must not forget
that in 2005, Swaziland entered a new era of constitutionalism. In Section 23
of the Constitution, liberties including human rights, freedom of
conscience and religion are entrenched. The inclusion of all other religions
must be in line with this constitutional provision to cater for all sectors of
society.’
According to the CIA
World factbook religion in Swaziland is broken down as
Zionist (a blend of Christianity and indigenous ancestral worship) 40 percent,
Roman Catholic 20 percent, Muslim 10 percent, other (includes Anglican, Bahai,
Methodist, Mormon, Jewish) 30 percent.
See also
SCHOOLS RELIGIOUS TEACHING SHAKE-UP
RELIGION
BAN IN SCHOOLS: PROTESTS GROW
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