Provincial education department should respect, not ban, criticism

SOMETIME opponent, Springbok winger Breyton Paulse, said of Lomu: “He could do it all – side-step, run over you – and he was the quickest guy on the field. He was absolutely feared on the rugby field and whenever he ran at me I just closed my eyes and hoped I’d get hold of one leg.” Paulse might have added that the All Black wing possessed a devastating hand-off, the more embarrassing for those on the receiving end since he seemed to do it with a smile on his face.

Since his death, players past and present have paid tribute to a quiet, humble and gentle man off the field.

Lomu blazed a trail. He was the professional game’s first superstar. The world is poorer for his passing. IT IS with dismay that we view the article (“Isaacs in hot water again”, November 11) regarding the high-handed way in which the Western Cape Education Department responded to criticism of the manner in which it is dealing with disciplinary issues.

As educationists, we need to value freedom of speech as one of the cornerstones of a civilised democratic society.

Are we returning to the dark days where peoples’ voices were silenced through draconian laws?

As citizens of the country with the most liberal constitution, we must never allow any state structure to silence any citizen through fear of intimidation.

Our constitution is based on the principle espoused by the French philosopher Voltaire , who said “that I might not agree with what you are saying, but will defend to the death your right to say it”. As progressive thinkers, this value must be defended and entrenched in our society.

We take strong offence to the manner in which a hard-working, committed and passionate educationist like Brian Isaacs, with many years of sacrifice in the cause of quality education, is being treated by the Western Cape Education Department.

Any employer who frowns upon constructive criticism has lost the opportunity to engage in meaningful debate which could lead to the growth of all parties concerned. Criticism should be welcomed and embraced as it can be the fodder for the uplifting of standards.

The Progressive Principals’ Association has met with department officials and requested that officials mediate whenever principals are reported to try and resolve issues in a professional and amicable way.

The approach where principals are interrogated by junior labour officials strips the integrity and demeans the position of principals.

We will never defend any teacher, principal or education official who is not acting in the best interests of children.

We strongly regret and distance ourselves from this kind of approach towards criticism.

As the adults, what are we teaching our children?