‘NO BOOKS’ FOR COMPULSORY CHRISTIANITY

Some schools in Swaziland report they have not received text books and other materials to teach Christianity, a year after the subject was made compulsory without consultation.

School principals said they had been promised all the material by government but they had not received anything, the Swazi Observer reported on Wednesday (7 February 2018).

It quoted principals in schools in the Manzini region who did not want to be named. One said schools were compelled to buy pupils bibles.  ‘The pupils informed us that they struggled during the exams as they had no clue of the exam paper.’

The Observer quoted a principal saying, ‘The Ministry of Education and Training should strive to provide quality education and address all the critical issues facing all the schools in the country, rather than for them to improvise for some schools, while neglecting some.’

The Ministry denied books and materials had not been delivered.

In January 2018 Minister of Education and Training Phineas Magagula said there was not enough money to fund teaching of Christianity. About E33 million (US2.6 million) was needed to fund 169 extra teachers.

The new policy that only Christianity and no other religion could be taught in schools was announced in January 2017. Previously, the Religious Education syllabus included Christianity, Islam, Baha’i faith and Swazi ancestors. The decision reportedly came from the Swazi Cabinet, which is handpicked by King Mswati III, sub-Saharan Africa’s last absolute monarch. There was no consultation with schools.

The move was controversial. Teaching only Christianity 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. 

In January 2017, 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. 

The Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) President Freedom Dlamini criticised the way the new syllabus was introduced. In a statement he said, ‘Our education system was immediately thrown back into the dark ages, not that we had ever got out.’

Dlamini added, ‘We don't want to create religious fundamentalists from our future generation, a predicament that some nations are finding themselves in today.’

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 CRISIS OVER CHRISTIAN TEACHING

https://swazimedia.blogspot.co.uk/2018/01/schools-crisis-over-christian-teaching.html

 

SCHOOLS RELIGIOUS TEACHING SHAKE-UP

http://swazimedia.blogspot.com/2017/01/schools-religious-teaching-shake-up.html

 

RELIGION BAN IN SCHOOLS: PROTESTS GROW

http://swazimedia.blogspot.com/2017/01/schools-religion-ban-protests-grow.html

ALL MUST PAY FOR CHRISTIAN LESSONS

https://swazimedia.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/all-must-pay-for-christian-lessons.html

SCHOOLS CRISIS OVER CHRISTIAN TEACHING

Swaziland’s schools are in crisis because of lack of funds and teachers, the kingdom’s Minister of Education and Training Phineas Magagula said.

About E33 million (US2.6 million) is needed to fund 169 extra teachers who are needed now that Christianity has become a compulsory subject for all public schools in Swaziland, the Swazi Observer reported on Thursday (4 January 2018).

There are not enough teachers in Swaziland to teach Christianity. The newspaper reported Magagula saying they had identified 169 present teachers who majored in religious studies and history who could teach the Christian Education Syllabus. He did not say if they had been consulted on a possible move. It was not reported who would replace the teachers in their present posts if they did transfer.

The new policy that only Christianity and no other religion could be taught in schools was announced in January 2017. Previously, the Religious Education syllabus included Christianity, Islam, Baha’i faith and Swazi ancestors. The decision reportedly came from the Swazi Cabinet, which is handpicked by King Mswati III, sub-Saharan Africa’s last absolute monarch. There was no consultation with schools.

The move was controversial. Teaching only Christianity 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. 

In January 2017, 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 at the time, ‘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.’

The Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) President Freedom Dlamini criticised the way the new syllabus was introduced. In a statement he said, ‘Our education system was immediately thrown back into the dark ages, not that we had ever got out.’

Dlamini added, ‘We don't want to create religious fundamentalists from our future generation, a predicament that some nations are finding themselves in today.’

Dlamini said in some schools, especially at secondary level, pupils had to drop one subject to comply with this order and contrary to the promise by the ministry that schools were going to have more teachers, most schools had no teachers posted.

The Observer reported Dlamini saying there were no signs that teachers would be appointed.

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

http://swazimedia.blogspot.com/2017/01/schools-religious-teaching-shake-up.html

 

RELIGION BAN IN SCHOOLS: PROTESTS GROW

http://swazimedia.blogspot.com/2017/01/schools-religion-ban-protests-grow.html

ALL MUST PAY FOR CHRISTIAN LESSONS

https://swazimedia.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/all-must-pay-for-christian-lessons.html

FIREFIGHTERS ‘ORDERED TO CHUCH’

Firefighters in Swaziland are angry that they are being forced by their bosses to attend Christian church services.

A memo has been issued to stations across the kingdom advising that staff should attend Tuesday fellowship services.

The Observer on Saturday newspaper in Swaziland reported (20 May 2017) the memo from Chief Fire Officer Dumisani Khumalo read in part, ‘Officers-in-Charge are commanded to give support to these services by motivating officers under their command to attend these services. Such services headquarters consider them playing a major role such as counselling in various social problems encountered by officers. It also promotes unity among the workforce fraternity. However, headquarters is compelled to request for your support towards the success of these fellowship services.’

The newspaper reported that some firefighters felt they were being forced to follow the Christian religion and this was against their constitutional rights.

One firefighter was reported by the newspaper saying, ‘We cannot, therefore, have someone forcing down Christianity to us. It would have been better if the fellowship was conducted in such a way that all the religions are followed so that we also have the Muslims, the Bahais and those that believe in ancestors all accommodated,’ he said. 

Forcing people to follow Christianity is contentious in Swaziland where King Mswati III rules as sub-Saharan Africa’s last absolute monarch. In January 2017 a directive was issued  by the Swazi Government which is handpicked by the King that Christianity was to be the only religion taught in schools.

The move was considered to 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.

See also

SCHOOLS RELIGIOUS TEACHING SHAKE-UP

http://swazimedia.blogspot.com/2017/01/schools-religious-teaching-shake-up.html

SCHOOLS RELIGION BAN PROTESTS GROW

http://swazimedia.blogspot.com/2017/01/schools-religion-ban-protests-grow.html

ALL MUST PAY FOR CHRISTIAN LESSONS

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 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. 

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

http://swazimedia.blogspot.com/2017/01/schools-religious-teaching-shake-up.html

 

RELIGION BAN IN SCHOOLS: PROTESTS GROW

http://swazimedia.blogspot.com/2017/01/schools-religion-ban-protests-grow.html

SCHOOLS RELIGION BAN: PROTESTS GROW

Protests are growing against the Swaziland Government’s order that Christianity is to be the only religion taught in schools.

The decision was imposed by the Swazi Cabinet which is handpicked by King Mswati III, the autocratic monarch in Swaziland. The move came into force on 24 January 2017 at the start of the school year after only a few days’ notice.

The AFP international news agency reported, ‘Officials said that old text books were being replaced with new ones that mention only the Bible, and that schools were required to submit a list of qualified religious studies teachers ahead of the start of term.’

It added, ‘“Other religions will not be offered at primary and high school level,” said Pat Muir, a top education ministry official, adding that the policy sought to avoid confusing pupils.’

Eyewitness News in South Africa reported, ‘Schools are obliged to submit their religious studies syllabi at the start of each term to show they contain no Islamic or Jewish references.’

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. 

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.

Lucky Lukhele, the spokesperson of the Swaziland Solidarity Network (SSN), an organisation banned in Swaziland because it campaigns for democracy in the kingdom, said, ‘This pits the authorities on a clash with the national Constitution adopted in 2005 which guarantees freedom of religion and declares Swaziland a multi-faith based society, thus barring anyone from imposing their own religious beliefs on others. The constitution and laws prohibit religious discrimination and provide for freedom of religion, including the right to worship and to change religion.’

The African Independent reported him saying, ‘We will be engaging all the democratic forces in Swaziland to challenge this unilateral and short-sighted decision by government whose effect will be to arrest the thought process, flourishing of ideas and intellectual growth of Swazi children.

‘For a long time the Swazi state has been abusing religion as a tool to exercise a firm grip on people’s freedoms and their right to demand respect for their rights. This is unacceptable and we will challenge it in the courts, in regional bodies, the African Union and even the United Nations. Not only is this decision unconstitutional, but also it is barbaric and contrary to world trends and advancement.’

AFP said, ‘The US State Department's International Religious Freedom Report said some schools have long sought to prevent Muslim pupils from leaving early for Friday prayers.

‘It also said some Christian groups “discriminated against non-Christian religious groups, especially in rural areas where people generally held negative views on Islam”’

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. 

The Swazi Observer newspaper reported that Masuku said, ‘what government has done was very risky and some people might not take kindly to other religions being banned’.

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.’

Myeni said Swaziland had to adhere to international standards such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights. Article 18 of the Universal Declaration stated, ‘Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.’

The Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) criticised the move saying the Swazi Government had made a decision based on ideology.

SNAT Secretary General Zwelithini Mndzebele in a statement said learning was about being exposed to diverse experiences that gave the young person the opportunity to use judgment and apply the learned skills.

Mndzebele said, ‘Learning about other religions helps everyone to better accommodate and understand others’ aspirations and ways of life. It is one of the best catalysts for the achievement of world peace.’

School principals said they feared other religions might take the Government to court over the ban because it might infringe the Swazi Constitution on freedom of religion. 

The Swazi Observer reported, ‘The principals said the schools that would be teaching Christianity only were government owned and such entities were governed by the constitution.’

The newspaper said. ‘Schools Manager Macanjana Motsa assured the principals that what was being introduced in the schools had been approved by government. Motsa said the constitution talked about freedom of religion and this was practised in churches, which are structures outside the schools. 

‘She added that there was nowhere where they banned other religions such as Islam from being practised in the country. Motsa said the different religions could be practised outside school boundaries as nothing has changed on that. 

‘She said the syllabus taught in public schools was regulated by government and she believes they have not strayed from that.’

See also

SCHOOLS RELIGIOUS TEACHING SHAKE-UP

http://swazimedia.blogspot.com/2017/01/schools-religious-teaching-shake-up.html

‘UNDERCOVER COPS INFILTRATE MOSQUE’

Muslims in Swaziland say undercover police are infiltrating their mosques to attend Friday prayers.

The Times of Swaziland, the only independent daily newspaper in the overwhelmingly Christian kingdom, reported on Wednesday (14 September 2016) that police were suspected of monitoring the Muslim community.

One source who did not want to be named told the newspaper that police officers attend their 1pm main service of the week on Fridays under disguise and would pretend to be members of the general public.

‘We do not understand the perception of the local people regarding the Islamic religion,’ the source told the Times. He added that Muslims were perceived as people who wanted to perpetuate violence.

Ezulwini Islamic Institute Imam Feroz Ismail confirmed the belief that plain-clothes police officers often attended its Friday afternoon services.

The Muslim community in Swaziland has recently been under attack by Christian leaders for distributing meat to needy people. President of the League of Churches Bishop Simon Hlatjwako was among Christian leaders who told people not to attend a special Muslim ceremony at which meat was distributed. Hundreds of hungry people ignored the instruction.

See also

THE HUNGRY DEFY CHRISTIAN LEADERS

http://swazimedia.blogspot.com/2016/09/the-hungry-defy-christian-leaders.html

LATEST UPDATE ON FREEDOM STRUGGLE

Swaziland: Striving For Freedom, Vol 3. March 2013

In this edition of Swaziland: Striving For Freedom, Swazi Media Commentary reveals that spending on defence equipment in Swaziland is set to rise by 50 times in the coming year. This was part of ‘defence’ spending that will take up 10 percent of the entire budget for the kingdom. Nobody at the Swazi Government would go on record to explain why this was needed, except to say the spending was necessary for ‘security’ and to ‘keep the peace’.

The vast spending on defence reminded Swaziland watchers that the kingdom, ruled by King Mswati III, sub-Saharan Africa’s last absolute monarch, had in the recent past tried to buy arms worth millions of US from the United Kingdom, but that country’s government blocked the move, believing the weapons might be turned on the king’s subjects should they continue their protests for democracy.

Elsewhere this month, the government has been found out selling maize, donated by Japan as humanitarian food aid, on the open market. The money has been stashed in a special account at the Central Bank of Swaziland. The Swazi Government claims this action is legal, but Japan has made no public statement. We haven’t heard the last of this yet.

Elections are coming in Swaziland this year and King Mswati’s subjects are waiting for him to tell them when it will be. Only then, can electioneering begin. A campaign to boycott the election because political parties are banned from taking part is gathering momentum. This month a European Union delegation visited the kingdom and also told the king the ban on political parties should be lifted.

Police and state security forces broke up another prayer meeting (the second time in two months): this one was to mark the anniversary of the formation of the national labour federation, TUCOSWA. King Mswati’s courts banned TUCOSWA after it declared itself to be against the forthcoming election.

Swaziland: Striving For Freedom, which is available to download free-of-charge at scribd dot com. is the third volume of information, commentary and analysis on human rights taken from articles first published on the Swazi Media Commentary blogsite in March 2013. Each month throughout this year a digest of articles will be published bringing together in one place material that is rarely found elsewhere. 

Swazi Media Commentary has no physical base and is completely independent of any political faction and receives no income from any individual or organisation. People who contribute ideas or write for it do so as volunteers and receive no payment.

Swaziland Striving for Freedom Vol 3 Mar 2013