EC EDUCATION MEC APOLOGISES
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has welcomed the apology tendered by the Eastern Cape MEC of Education, Mr Mandla Makupula, following statements he is alleged to have made to a group of students on the 9 March 2013. Mr Makupula is alleged to have said the following:
"No child... who is still dependent on their parents for food and shelter, has any rights."
"I asked myself what was wrong with that boy. His father did go to the initiation school, but because of the rights now, he did not want to go there himself ... I wish he had been my child, I would have hit him on the head with a knobkerrie and he would have gone to that initiation school crying." (In reference to a boy in the Eastern Cape who initiated legal proceedings against his father after being forced to attend initiation school)
"Some of the things said by learners here left me wondering as I do not think it was you speaking ... some of you were more eloquent and articulate standing here at this podium. I could see some things are too much advanced for you to know and say here." (In response to the addresses delivered by the learners)