Respect our faith: schools must embrace diversity, not suppress it
DR RAJENDRAN GOVENDER
THE recent controversy surrounding a Hindu pupil being forced to remove her red prayer string at school is both shocking and unacceptable in a democratic South Africa.
This incident highlights a broader issue of cultural and religious intolerance within certain educational institutions, where outdated policies continue to marginalize learners based on their faith and traditions.
As a nation that prides itself on diversity and inclusivity, South Africa cannot allow such discrimination to persist. Schools must align their policies with constitutional principles, and institutions such as the Cultural, Religious, and Linguistic Rights Commission (CRL Rights Commission) play a vital role in ensuring that the rights of affected learners are protected.
The Hindu red string, or kalava, is a sacred thread worn as a symbol of protection and devotion. This is usually tied around the wrist following a religious ceremony.
It is not an accessory or a fashion statement but a deeply significant religious item. When a school prohibits learners from wearing such symbols, it is not merely enforcing discipline—it is actively infringing on their constitutional rights.
The South African Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, belief, and opinion. It also affirms the rights of cultural, religious, and linguistic communities to practice their traditions without interference. By forcing a Hindu learner to remove her prayer string, the school in question has disregarded these fundamental rights.
Many school policies were drafted during the apartheid era, a time when the education system was designed to enforce uniformity and suppress cultural diversity. Unfortunately, some of these policies remain in place today, despite South Africa’s transition to democracy.
The Constitution mandates inclusivity, yet some schools continue to enforce rigid and outdated codes of conduct that do not reflect the multicultural realities of the student body. It is imperative that schools reassess their policies and ensure they are aligned with the values of our democratic society.
A practical way forward is to convene a meeting with parents, school management, and governing bodies to draft a new cultural and religious policy. Such a policy should explicitly recognize and protect the diverse religious practices of all learners. Schools should take a proactive approach by engaging with religious and cultural leaders to gain a deeper understanding of different traditions.
Furthermore, a workshop should be arranged for educators and management to train them on religious and cultural tolerance. Schools are places of learning, not just in terms of academics but also in fostering understanding and respect for different cultures. No learner should have to experience trauma or discrimination simply because of their faith.
The CRL Rights Commission was established to promote and protect the cultural, religious, and linguistic rights of South Africans. Any victim of religious discrimination in schools has the right to lodge a formal complaint with the Commission, which will then investigate the matter and work toward a resolution.
Parents must be made aware of these processes and encouraged to take action when their children's rights are violated. The CRL Rights Commission has the authority to engage with schools, conduct hearings, and recommend necessary policy changes to prevent future incidents.
However, intervention should not be limited to reactive measures. In this case the CRL Rights Commission should also work closely with the Department of Basic Education to ensure that all schools have clear, updated guidelines on religious and cultural inclusivity. Schools should not have to wait for legal battles to realize that their policies need reform.
This case is not just about one pupil - it is about the principle of religious freedom in South African schools. It is a wake-up call for the education system to reflect on whether it is truly upholding the values of the Constitution.
The way forward is clear. Schools must update their codes of conduct to align with constitutional principles and respect religious diversity. They should hold open discussions with parents and learners to create policies that reflect the needs of the community. Educators must be trained on religious and cultural sensitivity to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. Most importantly, parents must be encouraged to use legal channels such as the CRL Rights Commission to ensure their children’s rights are upheld.
South Africa has come a long way since its days of institutionalized discrimination, but incidents like this remind us that there is still work to be done. Schools must be places of inclusion, respect, and understanding—not environments where children are forced to choose between their education and their faith.
If we are to build a truly inclusive society, we must ensure that no learner is ever subjected to this kind of discrimination again. The responsibility lies with school governing bodies, educators, and government institutions to create a system where cultural and religious diversity is not only tolerated but celebrated.
Dr Govender is CRL Rights commissioner and a social cohesion advocate
Dr Rajendran Govender is a social anthropologist and researcher; Commissioner at the CRL Rights Commission; and a social cohesion advocate.
** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media.