Department denies sangoma learner was expelled
Also read: Tragic Isipingo school accident sparks confusion
This follows widespread reports on social media and in the media alleging that the unnamed female learner was removed from the school by the principal after she assisted a fellow learner experiencing distress linked to an ancestral calling on school grounds. DoE spokesperson Muzi Mahlambi said the learner was admitted into the school last year and she successfully progressed to Grade Nine.
'At the time of admission, the learner's mother disclosed to the admissions committee that her child possesses a spiritual gift that requires her to wear specific traditional headgear as part of her calling. This request was duly accommodated by the school in line with its commitment to respecting cultural and religious diversity. However, it was clearly communicated and mutually agreed that no ancestral or spiritual practices would be performed on school premises,' said Mahlambi.
The learner's mother then presented her with a choice to either continue her education while adhering to school policies or to pursue her spiritual calling outside of school. According to the department, the learner chose to continue with her education. In violation of the agreement, Mahlambi said there have been multiple incidents where the learner conducted practices related to her spiritual calling on school grounds, including recruiting fellow learners for sangoma initiation.
'Such actions are not permitted as they may infringe on the rights of other learners and staff. Contrary to reports in the media, these incidents did not result in the learner's expulsion or suspension. A disciplinary meeting was convened with the learner and her parents. During this meeting, it was reiterated that sangoma practices are strictly prohibited on school premises,' he said.
According to Section 9(2) of the South African Schools Act, only the head of the department, Nkosinathi Ngcobo, has the legal authority to expel a learner from a public school. Ngcobo said the child's parents need to ensure that she returns to school without further delay, as her absence has not been formally reported and may jeopardise her academic progress.
'As a department, we appeal to the learner to return and resume her studies to catch up on the curriculum before sitting for the May/June assessments,' said Ngcobo.
For more South Coast Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.
Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox.
Do you have more information pertaining to this story? Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
an hour ago
- The Citizen
Court hears final testimonies in brutal Sibongile assault trial
The trial of six Sibongile men accused of the kidnapping and murder of Mzwanile Sibiya resumed in the Dundee Regional Court last week, drawing a packed gallery. The accused — including a police officer, teacher, municipal worker, hospital employee, and two plumbers — were arrested on November 24, 2023. It is alleged that Sibiya and two others were kidnapped, assaulted with sticks and iron rods in public, and accused of theft. Sibiya later died from his injuries. State prosecutor Mr SA Mncadi previously detailed the severe injuries sustained by one survivor, Siphesihle Msibi, who suffered multiple fractures and abrasions. A forensic report confirmed that Sibiya died from blunt force trauma. During earlier bail hearings, Captain Norman Zwane confirmed that all six men were local residents and posed no flight risk. Bail was granted at R5000 each, under strict conditions. This week, defence advocate Mdu Masuku continued cross-examining Zwane and Captain Nkosi regarding Msibi's statement. A trial-within-a-trial focused on discrepancies in Msibi's statement, which was taken while he was hospitalised at Madadeni Hospital. The matter has been remanded to August 12 for closing arguments from both sides. HAVE YOUR SAY: Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram or email us at [email protected]. Add us on WhatsApp 071 277 1394.
eNCA
11 hours ago
- eNCA
Drunk KZN taxi driver sought after causing accident and fleeing
EMPANGENI - KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma has vowed to take tough action against drunk and reckless drivers who flee accident scenes. This comes after a major crash on the R34 between Empangeni and Eshowe, where an allegedly heavily intoxicated taxi driver caused a collision and ran away. READ: SA's road carnage | Probe into two KZN accidents underway The minibus, carrying family members traveling from Empangeni to eMasangweni, reportedly tried to overtake a Ford Ranger before clipping its rear and forcing both vehicles off the road and down an embankment. Duma says the driver's actions amount to a hit-and-run and could have claimed the lives of up to fourteen passengers. He wants the suspect to face prosecution and a sentence of up to nine years in prison or a fine of R180,000. READ: Truck driver in the N3 deadly crash on the run This is the second case this month involving a drunk driver disappearing after a crash. Duma is urging the public in Empangeni and Eshowe to assist police with any information that could lead to the driver's arrest.
The South African
13 hours ago
- The South African
Ramaphosa urges swift action on political killing interference probe
President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the political killings in the country and called for the Commission of Inquiry into police corruption to act swiftly. Speaking to the media during a meeting with the Northern Cape Provincial Executive, he said the KwaZulu-Natal Task Team has done 'tremendous work.' His comments follow the recent killing of African National Congress (ANC) member and Chief Whip of the Emalahleni Local Municipality, Xoliseka Lali, who was gunned down in the Eastern Cape. The motive behind the murder remains unclear, and police investigations are ongoing. Ramaphosa said he expects the Judicial Commission of Inquiry, tasked with probing political interference, criminality, and corruption in the country's criminal justice system, to conclude its work without delay. The Presidency also retweeted a video in which Ramaphosa expressed his determination to get to the bottom of explosive allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. The Commission has three months to deliver its initial report. 'This is a commission that everyone in the country would like to see quick answers coming from,' said Ramaphosa. Political killings have come under increased scrutiny following Mkhwanazi's claims that criminal syndicates have infiltrated South Africa's law enforcement structures. In a media briefing earlier this month, Mkhwanazi alleged that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu interfered with police investigations and colluded in the disbanding of the KwaZulu-Natal Political Killings Task Team. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news
