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Outrage over expulsion of traditional healer student

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The expulsion of a pupil from an Eastern Cape school hostel for practicing traditional healing on another learner, who had collapsed has sparked outrage among both the Christian and Traditional Healer sectors.

The action by the school is seen as discriminating against the African traditional religion despite the practice and its rituals recognised in South Africa.

The grade 11 pupil, Esihle Magida was expelled from the Nyanga High School hostel for allegedly healing a learner using traditional methods.

The pupil in question was allegedly having palpitations and had fainted. Her mother who is also a traditional healer says “intwaso” – the ancestral calling – is not a choice.

“People must understand children with this gift. They didn’t ask for this – it’s their calling. Many ended up quitting school because of being misunderstood like this,” said  the mother, Zingisa Magida.

The school and the education department maintain their actions are correct.

“The sick learner didn’t give consent to be healed by this learner. She was unconscious so we will not allow this,” the school SGB, Mkuseli Sikukuna said.

“If the thing went south and she had not healed the particular learner the Department of education would be made to account. We are supporting the school for suspending her,” said provincial Education Spokesperson, Malibongwe Mtima.

Religious freedom is guaranteed by the Constitution and the school says it has other pupils with similar beliefs.

The council of churches is also against using Christianity to discriminate against other beliefs.

“That school is not a Christian school, it is a public school. We are against what they did. They have no right to chase her away for practicing her religion,” Council of Churches’ Malusi Nketo .

The school says it will allow Magida back into the hostel if she vows not to practice any of her beliefs on other pupils.

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