*PETITION TO THE DoE: CALL FOR A FAIR, TRANSPARENT, AND ACCOUNTABLE INVESTIGATION INTO RELIGIOUS INTOLERANCE INCIDENT*

 

To: 

 

The Department of Basic Education

 

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education

 

The MEC of Education KwaZulu-Natal - Mr. Sipho Emmanuel Hlomuka

 

The Minister of Basic Education - Ms. Siviwe Gwarube

 

We, the undersigned, are deeply concerned about a recent incident of alleged religious intolerance at Drakensberg Secondary School under the Wembezi Circuit in Estcourt, KwaZulu-Natal. We respectfully demand a fair, transparent, and accountable investigation into the matter and appropriate action to uphold the rights enshrined in our Constitution.

 

Background:

 

In early January 2025, a teacher instructed students to remove their Raksha Sutra (sacred red prayer string), a deeply significant symbol in Hindu faith. The school principal then addressed the matter during an assembly, instructing students to hide their prayer strings and provide letters from their respective pundits (priests), stating that itis blessed and had to be worn at all times.

 

The issue came to light when a concerned community member published a Facebook post about the incident. The post accumulated multiple comments from individuals sharing similar experiences and also stating that this issue had been ongoing since last year. Unfortunately, the post was later removed following intimidation by a member of the Student Governing Body, a deeply troubling act that stifles free speech and undermines transparency.

 

Students also fear victimization, which has created silence in the matter within the school. This prevents all victims from coming forward.

 

An internal investigation was reportedly conducted by the school and the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education. It has been brought to our attention that:

 

Not all victims and relevant parties were informed of the investigation or given the opportunity to participate in the investigation.

 

Feedback has not been officially communicated to the affected students or parents.

 

A report was leaked, suggesting a decision had been made—yet officials now claim the report is fake, creating confusion and further eroding trust in the process.

 

The teacher involved made a statement in defense of the allegations during the investigation,which is a potential breach of DBE protocols.

 

 

Our Demands:

 

1. A re-investigation into the incident that is inclusive, impartial, and transparent, pensuring all relevant parties—especially the affected students and their families—are heard.

 

 

2. Immediate communication and transparency from the School Governing Body and the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education regarding any findings or decisions made thus far.

 

 

3. Assurance that all students' constitutional rights to *Freedom of religion, belief and opinion*, *Equality* and *Human Dignity* are respected and upheld within the school environment.

 

 

4. Appropriate disciplinary action or training for any staff members found to have violated departmental regulations or constitutional principles.

 

 

5. A commitment from the Department of Education to prevent future occurrences of religious intolerance through policy guidance, awareness campaigns, and training for educators.

 

 

 

We believe this matter is not only about a single incident but about preserving the integrity of our education system and the values enshrined in our Constitution. No child should feel unsafe or unwelcome at any school due to their religious beliefs.

 

We urge the Department of Education to treat this petition with the seriousness it deserves.

 

Sincerely 

Concerned parents, learners, and community members. 

 

Supported by

Rev. Ethan Ramkuar 

African Movement Congress AMC Roy leader and Survival Center NPO founder.

 

Date: 15 May 2025