Don’t leave out African religion
EDITOR — I agree with Primary and Secondary Education Minister Dr Lazarus Dokora that children should be introduced or exposed to all forms of religion at primary school level to enable them to make their own choices when they are old enough.
I, however, find his mention of Islam, Apostolic Sects (Masowe), Bahai and Buddhism at the exclusion of our holiest African religion very dangerous.
Emphasis should be on the latter in the Zimbabwean context.
I also find those that believe Zimbabwe is predominantly Christian equally dangerous if not more.
Was it by choice or by force that Zimbabwe appears predominantly Christian?
Wasn’t the objective of the war of liberation about us the natives reclaiming four things, first and foremost repossession of land (the economy) followed by reclamation of our mind, our religion and culture?
The spiritual aspect of the armed struggle was inspired by the Nehandas, lamanye amadlozi elizwe, and not by Jesus or Prophet Mohammed.
Which black person in Zimbabwe, even among the most prominent bishops, Zimbabweans in the Diaspora, veMasowe and including the minister, did not part nemombe yehumai when they went to pay lobola?
Mombe yehumai is for the ancestors and this aspect of ancestors is our religion; so where are we putting it? Even the Nziramasanga recommendations on which the minister bases this curriculum update is clearly objective in this area, which unfortunately has now taken a subjective approach.
I hope those in the National Assembly and Senate can take note and address this issue. Buxton Munhuwa, Via e-mail.