A call by KwaZulu-Natal MEC for education Mbali Frazer for educators and learners to wear traditional Zulu regalia in honour of the newly crowned monarch King Misuzulu ka Zwelithini has drawn a barrage of criticism from teachers, politicians and a cultural expert.
“We believe that the wearing of traditional regalia by learners from all backgrounds will play a more significant role in national unity and social cohesion,” Frazer’s department said in circular to schools. “This historic gesture will give meaning and symbolism to a call for a decolonised education in our lifetime as we forge ahead in providing quality education.”
Prof Paulus Zulu, head of the Maurice Webb Race Relations Unit at the University of KwaZulu-Natal said the call was inappropriate.
“It is silly and not well thought through. Traditional regalia at schools is not the answer to achieve social cohesion,” Zulu said. “We are a culturally diverse society and just imagine if every culture be it Hindu, Muslim, Xhosa or Christian called for this too. It will cause confusion and should not be brought into the schooling system. This kind of call ignites primordial segmental confusion.”
The SA Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu) demanded that Frazer explain her department's decision, saying that while it recognised the King Misuzulu’s coronation as a historic event, pupils and teachers should not feel obliged to heed the departments call.
“We see it as a decision taken prematurely and not considerate of people of other cultures,” said Sadtu spokesperson Nomusa Cembi. “This is why the education policy taken from the constitution guides that we must be able to respect each other, to be tolerant of each other and at all work towards uniting all.”
The request contradicts the South African Schools Act, which promotes the diversity of all the country’s cultures and traditions, and not one over all others. Cembi said September — the month in which SA’s heritage is celebrated — would have been more suitable.
The SA Communist Party in the Moses Mabhida region said that while it welcomes endeavours that bring unity among the working class, the poor and the Royal family, the call was insensitive.
“More bewilderingly is her [Frazer’s] silence on how the department will provide for learners who may have no such attire,” said SACP spokesperson Bheki Shandu. “To us it should have formed part of the project delivery considerations otherwise this remains without genuine foundation thus inconsiderate and irresponsible. KwaZulu-Natal is a province with a diverse society and this unilateral call represents insensitivity to that reality.”
Speaking in KwaMashu on Tuesday, Fraser defended her call. “We have done this not to isolate other traditions, but to celebrate with the king as the department. The king has a role to play in education, so it’s important that we honour days like these,” she said.
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