National Pledge: NGOs, churches march

Primary and Secondary Education Minister, Lazarus Dokora

At the end of last month, the government, through the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Lazarus Dokora, directed all students to spend the April school holidays mastering the national pledge.

Dokora then invited parents to accompany their children on the opening day of the second term and hear them reciting the pledge which, critics say, lauds both fallen and living Zanu PF top officials.

The move was however resisted by churches and other religious organisations.

Protesting against the National Pledge in the central Harare, Wednesday, church and several civil society organisations said government should address economic issues bedevilling the country rather than indoctrinating “our innocent children”.

“Zimbabwe’s education system is in mess! Teachers remain unpaid and, instead of addressing these pertinent issues, the ministry is violating our children’s freedom of conscience,” read some of the messages which were carried by the protesters.

Women and Men Of Zimbabwe Arise, WOZA, which was part of the protesters, said parents should not allow government to continue abusing their children.

“This pledge is part of the government’s efforts to brainwash our children through propaganda and in some cases lies and as WOZA we are saying No to this indoctrination,” said WOZA.

“Let us demand the respect of the constitution by all official, parents and children.

“Let’s denounce this pledge and explain to your children why this oath is false prophets our children are our future lets protect them for a brighter future.”