THE Mthwakazi Republic Party (MRP) has petitioned government, Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (Zimsec), and the international community after flagging what it calls a divisive curriculum of the controversial Heritage Studies.
The petition signed by MRP secretary-general Velile Moyo, National Women's League chairperson, Kinalimang Magaseni and National Youth League chairperson, Mkhululi Jele, dated February 10, is addressed to the Primary and Secondary Education ministry and copied to Zimsec, Zimbabwe Republic Police, the President’s Office and authors of Heritage Studies textbooks.
It is also copied to the Southern African Development Community, the African Union Commission, Unicef, Unesco, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Defence for Children International and the Child Rights International Network.
“We demand the immediate removal and ban of all forced tribal and culturally-biased educational school literature, including Heritage studies school textbooks that perpetuate the forced teaching and learning of Shona-oriented heritage to all students in all school grades up to tertiary level in all provinces in Matabeleland and Midlands [provinces],” the petition read.
MRP demanded the immediate removal of the Heritage Studies examination paper from the current and future examination schedules in Zimbabwe.
“We demand that Primary and Secondary Education minister Torerai Moyo take immediate action to withdraw and ban all heritage studies school textbooks that promote one language and dominant culture, but to develop and implement a new, inclusive curriculum that celebrates and promotes the cultural diversity and heritage of all Zimbabwean communities,” the petition read.
“This blatant disregard for the Constitution of Zimbabwe (2013) and international human rights law, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, is unacceptable.”
MRP said the Heritage Studies curriculum was not only oppressive but also discriminatory, perpetuating the marginalisation of Ndebele-speaking communities.
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“It is imperative that all children, regardless of their tribe or language, have access to education that celebrates and promotes their cultural identity, language and values. We urgently appeal to your esteemed organisations to intervene, safeguard and protect the rights of Ndebele children and learners in Matabeleland and Midlands.”
Government departments and Sadc are yet to respond to the petition while international organisations such as Defence for Children, AU Commission for Human Rights and the secretariat for Child Rights Connect and Unesco acknowledged receipt of the petition.
In a statement, the Primary and Secondary Education ministry said it had not approved the use of the textbooks in question in schools.
