Africa-Press – Eswatini. Acting Langeni Royal Kraal Chief, Inkhosatana Tsembeni Magongo, has applauded the Deputy Prime Minister (dpm) Themba Masuku for standing his ground and speaking the truth without fear.
Making her remarks during Elangeni High School Culture Day celebration yesterday, Inkhosatana encouraged Masuku to continue standing by the truth.
She commended the DPM for his statement condemning the involvement of children in political activities. The DPM said on Monday that involving children in such activities was disheartening and a grave violation of children’s rights, as stipulated by the country’s Constitution (2005), Children’s Protection and Welfare Act of 2012 and other international treaties which the country had ratified.
He was reacting to comments made by leader of one of the political organisations in the country, who was quoted saying children can and would be allowed to participate in political activities.
Speaking during a press briefing, Masuku said they were particularly appalled at the use of children as messengers and participants by certain political formations to perpetuate their agenda.
The acting chief said she was in support of the statement by the DPM, adding that children needed to be protected and not exposed to issues that were way above them and their understanding.
Magongo also warned teachers against having sexual relations with pupils and in some instances, impregnating them. She said this not cultural and was also criminal.“I was concur with you and loved everything you said on Monday.
I have also asked parents to encourage their children to go to school instead of leaving school and joining protests.
Those people don’t love them because they are building an illiterate generation.“Continue with this spirit of speaking the truth and standing your ground at all times,” she said.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Education and Training acting Principal Secretary Naniki Mnisi said they were happy to see culture being instilled in the school. She emphasised the need to implement cultural practises including proper wearing of traditional regalia.
Headteacher at the school, Nonhlanhla Sibiya, pleaded with the DPM to help facilitate the construction of staff houses.
Sibiya also noted that there were 105 orphans and vulnerable children out of the 780 pupils enrolled at the school. She then implored that the DPM’s office to pay for the OVC when the third term begins so they would be able to do their practical exams.
Siswati Language Board Chairperson Inkhosikati LaKhumalo encouraged teachers of the subject to be diligent in their line of work and excel in the areas they were passionate about. She also urged parents to teach their children Siswati at a tender age so they could learn to appreciate and own the language.
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