I wish to comment on Thabile Mange’s letter that was published in the 19 February edition of the News.
It is commendable that Thabile wishes to start attending meetings at his children’s school, and is willing to contribute to their education.
However, the views he expresses concerning the culture of the school his children attend, as well as the culture of other schools, are in my opinion, slightly off the mark.
In my opinion all schools should have the same cultures. Cultures that apply to all people. These cultures are lacking and almost non-existent in today’s society. They should be taught and nurtured to ensure that our children, their children and future generations will benefit by these cultures.
Firstly, I recommend a culture of learning. Pupils should be made to realise that only education, and nothing else, can open doors for them. Their own futures and the future of the country depend on the standard of education of its people.
Secondly, a culture of respect should be taught. Respect for themselves – then they will behave in a dignified manner. Respect for other people – then they will treat them accordingly. Respect for property, whether it be their own, a fellow pupil’s or school property. Once they grasp the true meaning of respect, their behaviour will improve immeasurably.
A culture of appreciation should also be added. Realising that books, infrastructure and all school equipment are valuable and must be treated as such, is a culture most school children today have not even heard of.
Then there are cultures that must be totally and irreparably broken down and eradicated. The first of these is the culture of vandalism.
Pupils must be taught that to break and destroy is wrong! Writing on the desk, or scratching your name into the wood is wrong! Burning books and vandalising infrastructure is wrong! Tearing your friends’ school clothing is wrong.
Another culture that should be driven out is the culture of disrespect.
School children do not only disrespect their teachers and fellow pupils, but most of them do not even respect their parents!
The atrocious behaviour at school manifests this.
I disagree with Mr Mange’s viewpoint on black/ white culture at school. Cultures at schools should not have colour.
We are a diverse society and only by respecting each other, can we build a country and a future for all her people.
