Cape Town – The Democratic Alliance (DA) has weighed in on the call made by the KwaZulu-Natal education department for pupils to wear traditional attire to school, as a way of paying tribute to the recently crowned Zulu King Misuzulu KaZwelithini Zulu.
In a circular distributed last week, the department called on learners to dress in their traditional clothes on Tuesday, August 30, to pay tribute to the new king.
“It is in that regard that the MEC for education in KZN, Mbali Frazer, is dedicating Tuesday as a day for schools and the department to celebrate this historic event. The MEC is, therefore, requesting all schools in the province to participate in this celebration by encouraging all teachers and all other employees to wear their traditional attire on Tuesday.” the circular read.
However, in a statement, the DA in the province has expressed its support for the marking of the historic occasion on the condition that learners are not forced to participate.
“SA is a culturally diverse country with the Bill of Rights ensuring the right to practise one’s religion and culture in keeping with the law. This must be respected by all.
“Schools have ‘civvies’ days and it is common to be out of uniform on such days. As long as principals and school governing bodies are in agreement, the department — and least of all the MEC — cannot force them to do anything not within their explicit area of management,” read the statement.
The opposition party maintained that it respects the reigning king and his rise to the throne.
“We wish him a long and successful reign and we are hopeful that his influence of good will be passed on to our pupils, as was the habit of the late king.”
Some social media users agreed with the DA’s statement.
Meanwhile, parents and teachers showed off pictures of their children in traditional wear.
Here are some pictures shared on Twitter
It’s a King Misuzulu Day at school ?? pic.twitter.com/XYQq97oV4b
— Khanya Thembane (@thekhanyat) August 30, 2022
King Misuzulu day in KZN pic.twitter.com/2ZX64Javp1
— Zodwa Shozi (@MazorishSA) August 30, 2022
#ukhozifmvabs @DjWodumo @mrozawangempel @DJSgqemeza @ukhozi_fm
Kwakuhle Kwazulu-Natal. pic.twitter.com/kSH8B24F62
— Nhlakanipho T NGCOBO (@ABASHANA_MUSIQ) August 30, 2022
D celebrating our Zulu nations’ new King Misuzulu Sinqobile Hlomesakhesihlangu kaZwelithini. He was claimed by his friend as her Zulu husband for the day ?. He had so much fun!
Embracing each other’s cultures & traditions is such a humbling experience ❤
LHS High, Ladysmith pic.twitter.com/6tBZjr4ntp— Barbara ? (@Barbara53547705) August 30, 2022
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Picture: Twitter\ @KeletsoMss
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Compiled by Olwethu Mpeshe
