Dlamini-Zuma opens hornets’ nest

Statements by Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, pictured, that former model C schools are feeding pupils anti-ANC information, including the assertion that the party is corrupt, has opened up a hornets’ nest.

The veracity of these utterances by the presidential hopeful needs authentication. Shooting from the hip, or plain hearsay, cannot be justification to enunciate such views. If there is credible evidence to prove this is really the case, then the proper channels need to be followed to discipline schools involved.

If the intention of these statements was based on cheap politicking or attacking a specific race group, then it is most definitely misdirected. Schools are meant to be repositories of expansive knowledge and critical thinking. Pupils must be able to freely express their feelings on any topic without the fear of reprisals. Picture a scenario in the classroom during the social science lesson where politics is discussed and pupils negatively criticise different political parties, including the ANC.

As a teacher, do you now censor what pupils are saying for fear that you may be singled out as advocating for example anti-ANC sentiments? Pupils must be allowed to have a multiplicity of views.

The festering debate about teaching European and US history at the expense of African heroes and heroines needs to be intellectually investigated. Most school textbooks contain scant information about European history and its impact in Africa and South Africa. It is important to know the past. Vijay Surujpal, Phoenix