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Zvamaida Murwira Senior Reporter
PRIMARY and Secondary Education Minister Dr Lazarus Dokora has said over one million people across the country were consulted before Government came up with the National Pledge being recited in all schools since the wording was drawn from the national Constitution, which was the result of extensive consultation.
He said most of the extracts of the National Pledge were taken from the national Constitution, a product of national consensus after it was subjected to a referendum.
Dr Dokora said this while giving oral evidence before a Parliamentary Portfolio committee on Primary and Secondary Education last week.
“We went full force to the people, we were on radio and other media. Consultations were done and almost one million people were consulted. We did our consultations wholeheartedly, constraints might have been on resources,” said Dr Dokora. “These statements are in the preamble of the national Constitution.”
He said the concept of National Pledge was not unique in Zimbabwe, but resonated in all other countries, even developed ones like America and Britain.
“We have not done that which has not been done in other countries,” said Dr Dokora.
He said the National Pledge was currently being translated into 15 languages including sign language to ensure a wider reach.
“All schools including Trust schools are obliged to recite the National Pledge,” he said.
Glen View North MP Mr Fani Munengami (MDC-T) asked why other Government institutions like Parliament were not asked to recite the National Pledge if it was that important.
“That is your prerogative to do that. My mandate is on primary and secondary schools. If you want it to be extended to other institutions, that is your prerogative as Parliament,” said Dr Dokora.
Earlier on, Dr Dokora went through each section of the National Pledge explaining its import. He said the National Pledge was part of the national curriculum review, saying a lot would be seen on various levels of learning next year, arising from the process of curriculum review.
There has been an outcry from some parents who claimed that Government had not consulted them in coming up with the National Pledge. Some parents have since initiated court action challenging the introduction of the National Pledge.
Responding to other questions, Dr Dokora denied that Scripture Unions had been banned in schools.
“It is not banned. That is a full no,” he said.
Online Reporter