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Mthwakazi activist jailed for defending Plumtree students
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A Mthwakazi Republic Party (MRP) activist, Mkhululi Jele, is in prison after allegedly challenging the interrogation of students at Phakamani High School in Plumtree. The students had clashed with their teacher over the controversial heritage studies curriculum, which they accused of misrepresenting language, culture, and heritage issues.
Jele, who serves as the MRP national youth chairperson, was arrested at his home on Tuesday morning in what his lawyer, Thuto Mavula, described as an excessive and dramatic operation. "Police broke the door of his residence, brought dogs, and acted as if they were apprehending a dangerous criminal," Mavula said.
Jele has been charged with disorderly conduct in a public place. Authorities allege that he disrupted a meeting between two police detectives, the school headmaster, and the students by banging on the office door. However, Jele denies these accusations, arguing that his presence at the school was to seek clarity on why students were being interrogated by police without their parents' consent.
"Jele had every right to demand answers from the headmaster," said Mavula. "It is concerning that State security agents were involved in school matters, bypassing the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education. This raises questions about the targeting of Jele, particularly as a member of a political party advocating for the rights of marginalized communities."
The clash at Phakamani High School arose when students confronted their teacher, accusing her of delivering lessons that misrepresented their culture and traditions under the heritage studies curriculum. The incident has reignited calls to revisit the curriculum, which many stakeholders argue fails to respect Zimbabwe's diverse cultural heritage and is dismissive of minority tribes and their traditions.
Jele appeared in court yesterday, where Mavula filed for bail. The case is pending.
The arrest has sparked outrage among MRP members and local activists, who see it as a targeted attack against individuals who speak out against perceived injustices in education and governance. Observers say the incident highlights the growing tension between communities and authorities over cultural representation and the role of state security in civil matters.
Stakeholders have called for a review of the heritage studies curriculum to ensure it reflects the diversity of Zimbabwe's cultures and languages without bias or contempt toward any group. Meanwhile, the fate of Jele remains uncertain as his legal battle unfolds.
Jele, who serves as the MRP national youth chairperson, was arrested at his home on Tuesday morning in what his lawyer, Thuto Mavula, described as an excessive and dramatic operation. "Police broke the door of his residence, brought dogs, and acted as if they were apprehending a dangerous criminal," Mavula said.
Jele has been charged with disorderly conduct in a public place. Authorities allege that he disrupted a meeting between two police detectives, the school headmaster, and the students by banging on the office door. However, Jele denies these accusations, arguing that his presence at the school was to seek clarity on why students were being interrogated by police without their parents' consent.
"Jele had every right to demand answers from the headmaster," said Mavula. "It is concerning that State security agents were involved in school matters, bypassing the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education. This raises questions about the targeting of Jele, particularly as a member of a political party advocating for the rights of marginalized communities."
The clash at Phakamani High School arose when students confronted their teacher, accusing her of delivering lessons that misrepresented their culture and traditions under the heritage studies curriculum. The incident has reignited calls to revisit the curriculum, which many stakeholders argue fails to respect Zimbabwe's diverse cultural heritage and is dismissive of minority tribes and their traditions.
Jele appeared in court yesterday, where Mavula filed for bail. The case is pending.
The arrest has sparked outrage among MRP members and local activists, who see it as a targeted attack against individuals who speak out against perceived injustices in education and governance. Observers say the incident highlights the growing tension between communities and authorities over cultural representation and the role of state security in civil matters.
Stakeholders have called for a review of the heritage studies curriculum to ensure it reflects the diversity of Zimbabwe's cultures and languages without bias or contempt toward any group. Meanwhile, the fate of Jele remains uncertain as his legal battle unfolds.
Source - southern eye
