adminPamela Shumba Senior Reporter
CHURCH leaders and civil society organisations in Bulawayo have threatened to go to court to stop the reciting of the national pledge in schools, saying it violates their constitutional rights and freedom of conscience. The Primary and Secondary Education ministry introduced a national pledge to be recited by school children just as they recite the Lord’s prayer.
The pledge is expected to be launched on May 3 when schools open for the second term. Minister Lazarus Dokora said on the day, parents are supposed to accompany their children to school for the launch and present gifts for the pupils after they recite the pledge.
But speaking during a meeting organised by Habakuk Trust in Bulawayo yesterday, church leaders and civil society organisations declared that they will not allow their children to recite the pledge.
They said they were prepared to take the matter to the courts. Abameli Human Rights Lawyers Network programmes coordinator Tineyi Mukwewa said the ministry did not consult anyone over the pledge.
“For any administrative action in this country, there must be consultation but that wasn’t done. People just woke up to a pronouncement. This is clearly violating the rights of the people of Zimbabwe. As human rights lawyers, we’re also concerned parents. We’re prepared to take this matter to the constitutional courts and help other parents take it to its logical conclusion. We can’t allow our children to affirm loyalty to the flag, instead of God,” said Mukwewa.
He said the pledge means nothing to the school children, adding that the introduction of the pledge is contrary to the constitution.
“Section 2 of the constitution of Zimbabwe clearly states that anything that’s contrary to the constitution is null and void. There’s no need to even negotiate. Section 44 says ministers, including the education minister, are mandated to respect all fundamental rights. Section 60(2) clearly states that no person should be compelled, which is the opposite of what the minister is doing,” said Mukwewa, adding that it is fundamentally wrong for Christians to take oaths.
Habakkuk Trust director Dumisani Nkomo said the government should concentrate on more important things such as universal access to education, improving the pass rate, and the provision of textbooks in all schools.
“As Habakkuk Trust, concerned citizens and parents, we’re opposed to the imposition of the national pledge because it violates section 60 of the constitution which grants us the right to freedom of conscience, including the right not to be forced to make an oath or a pledge,” Nkomo said.
“We reject it on the grounds of our constitutional provisions and our religion, which doesn’t allow us to make oaths. We call upon residents, other parents and residents to join us in taking action. We want our voices to be heard.”
Another meeting has been set for Wednesday next week to agree on the type of action to be taken against the pledge. Some suggested the legal route, others thought protesting when schools open has more impact while others said children should not go to school at all until the matter is put to rest.
Church leaders from other provinces have also rejected the pledge, claiming it was Satanic and infringes on the faith of Christians. The national pledge has also been questioned by members of the House of Assembly.
Minister Dokora has, however, defended the pledge, insisting it derived most of its content from the constitution. An Epworth man, Mathew Slogani, last Friday approached the constitutional court seeking an order to ban the pledge.
Infant pupils will recite the following pledge of allegiance:
“Almighty God, in whose hands our future lies, I salute the national flag. I commit to honesty and dignity of hard work.”
Junior and secondary schools pupils will be expected to recite the pledge of allegiance saying:
“Almighty God, in whose hands our future lies, I salute the national flag. United in our diversity by our common desire for freedom, justice and equality. Respecting the brave fathers and mothers who lost lives in the Chimurenga/Umvukela and national liberation struggles.
“We’re proud inheritors of the richness of our natural resources. We’re proud creators and participants in our vibrant traditions and cultures. We commit to honesty and the dignity of hard work.”
Online Reporter