Traditional beads up for debate

Teachers, parents and school governing body (SGB) members had to apologise to pupils who were prohibited from wearing their traditional beads at an Eastern Cape school after the provincial education department intervened amid simmering tensions.

The department launched a probe after the rift was brought to its attention.

Provincial education spokesperson Malibongwe Mtima said the allegations involving Ganizulu High School pupils in Elliotdale had to be probed to ascertain whether they amounted to discrimination.

The department established a team to investigate the allegations so as “to avoid any unrest by affected pupils”.

“It followed another complaint by Ganizulu High School learners on social media over the weekend that their school policy seeks to undermine and discriminate against their right to freedom of religion,” Mtima said.