PRESS STATEMENT BY: 
Mr. Ntuthuko Majozi
SADESMO National Deputy President

8th July 2008

The South African Democratic Students Movement has written a letter of demand to Minister Naledi Pandor, the National Minister of Education. In this letter SADESMO spells out its disappointment with the manner in which the minister is handling the issues of the History Textbook that insults the IFP and its Leader, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi. 

According to Ntuthuko Majozi, SADESMO Deputy President, this book will cause further deterioration in the standard of education in our country. He said, "The South African Democratic Students Movement has noted with concern the significant plummeting of our country's standard of education. The results for Grade 12 have been gradually deteriorating from 2004 which, in our understanding, should be a concern to all citizens of this country, including the minister and politicians, because it is affecting the future of South Africa as a whole." 

Ntuthuko Majozi, on behalf of SADESMO in their letter, told the minister that SADESMO wants this book to be removed from all schools, as it misrepresents the history of our country.  Ntuthuko Majozi said, "Notwithstanding the fact that our citizens should be acquainted with the history of South Africa it is very imprudent, inconsiderate and improper to brainwash people who can only read and believe what is in the book without making any personal investigation or judgment. The book misrepresents facts about the history of this country which means the next generation will grow up with no factual reflection of our country's history." 

Mr Majozi also mentioned that senior leaders of the ANC are fully aware that this book is not a true reflection of South Africa's liberation history, but they are fearful to appear and vocalize the true picture because of their own ambitions that may be tainted with "siding with the opposition". 

The letter brought  to the Minister's attention that SADESMO members in High Schools and Tertiary Institutions reject this book, as it will further divisions among Africans.  According to SADESMO the matter regarding this book is already denting the dignity and the image of the Department of Education, as it has been silent on this issue whilst it has been raised on numerous occasions. 

SADESMO also urged the Minister to consider this a matter of urgency, as students need to be treated with dignity and be given proper education, not biased, propagandistic history which is aimed at vilifying the good names of people associated with the liberation of our country but not in the good books of the current regime, such as Prince Buthelezi.  What those in power must remember is that the tide always turns and to treat others as they want to be treated so that in future history does not tar them with a tainted brush.
 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Ntuthuko Majozi
073 204 1493