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By Sihle Mavuso
The Independent South African National Civic Organisation (ISANCO) has called for the return of school prayers and corporal punishment, saying that crime, corruption, and moral decay demand a return to Christian values.
In an Easter message, party president Zukile Luyenge said the country had regressed since morning prayers and corporal punishment were removed from schools.
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“The government may deny it but the consequences of this error of judgement has led to the decay of morality. The abolishment of corporal punishment in our school worsened the situation.
“It was even worse when the children were given permission to access termination of pregnancy without the consent of their parents as early as 12 years of age,” he said.
ISANCO is a breakaway from the ANC-aligned SANCO. In March, Luyenge told voters to back civic organisations and traditional leaders rather than mainstream parties, accusing the ANC, the Electoral Commission and Home Affairs of an “unholy” alliance.
Days later, he joined protests over the coronation of an Igbo king in East London, saying that coronation was evidence that South Africa had become a “Banana Republic”.
Christianity is the country’s largest religious affiliation, with Census 2022 putting the figure at 85.3% of the population.
South African law, however, does not support Luyenge’s claim that prayer was simply abolished in public schools after 1994.
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The South African Schools Act says religious observances may be conducted at public schools under rules set by governing bodies, provided they are held on an equitable basis and attendance is free and voluntary. The national religion-in-education policy says public schools must embrace the country’s religious diversity.
Section 10 of the Schools Act states that no person may administer corporal punishment to a learner at school and says anyone who does so is guilty of an offence punishable as assault.
The Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act says no consent other than that of the pregnant woman is required. In the case of a pregnant minor, a doctor or registered midwife must advise her to consult her parents, guardian, family members or friends, but the termination may not be denied if she chooses not to do so. National health guidelines further state there is no minimum age of consent for access to termination of pregnancy services.
Luyenge nevertheless said Easter should mark the start of a moral reset.
“The Easter holidays are observed even by the people who spend the whole year without seeing the door of the church. May this be the beginning of the road to moral regeneration and compassion.”
