LESSON IN TEAMWORK

THE TEAMWORK of South Africa in winning the Rugby World Cup was based on the coach and captain’s aim to serve the new South Africa and not their individual agendas.

This should be an example to the provincial and national departments of education – to stop their individual agendas and serve the children of South Africa, sincerely.

If rugby players can do it, then what prevents academics of the Education Department from rallying together for the present and future development of our children?

We need to be strict with ourselves to encourage each other to be fair and righteous towards children. The national Education Department cannot allow the provincial government to apply policies that are detrimental to the children and communities.

The “liquor bill” for schools must be scrapped. If the minister of arts and culture could override the provincial ministry of arts and culture to declare Bo-Kaap a heritage area – going against the plan of the DA-supported council threatening the heritage of Bo-Kaap – then the minister of education should override the MEC on all matters that threaten the well-being of the children in the Western Cape.

That said, the national Education Department’s proposal on comprehensive sex education has also drawn criticism from parents and community members and organisations. The education of children is the right of the parents not the government.

The government is not allowed to override the constitutional right to dignity. Any amoral practice or policy is thus illegal, because it violates the constitutional rights of religious communities. The government does not own our children.