27/08/2026
[HAPPENING NOW]
Following the alleged refusal by Cosmo Secondary School to re-admit a 16-year-old learner who recently returned from Ndebele initiation, the CRL Rights Commission is engaging with both the learner’s parents and the school to facilitate constructive dialogue and seek a fair, lawful and rights-based resolution.
Representatives of Amandebele traditional leadership are also participating in the engagement, recognising the importance of bringing together all relevant stakeholders when matters involving cultural practices, education and the rights of children arise.
The CRL Rights Commission’s intervention is aimed at creating a platform for all parties to be heard, clarifying the facts, addressing misunderstandings and identifying practical solutions that respect the learner’s rights while recognising the importance of cultural heritage and the responsibilities of educational institutions.
Engagements of this nature are critical in resolving sensitive disputes before they escalate into broader conflict. Through dialogue, mediation and stakeholder consultation, the Commission seeks to promote understanding, protect constitutional rights and ensure that cultural, religious and linguistic matters are addressed within the framework of the Constitution and the law.
This engagement forms part of the CRL Rights Commission’s constitutional mandate to promote and protect the rights of cultural, religious and linguistic communities and to contribute towards a society in which cultural rights and other fundamental rights are respected and upheld.
The CRL Rights Commission remains committed to constructive engagement, finding solutions and ensuring that rights are protected while cultural practices are respected.