Department denies sangoma learner was expelled
THE KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education (DoE) has firmly denied claims that a Grade Nine learner from Sidelile High School was expelled due to her sangoma or spiritual calling.
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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.
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