BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE– Gangsterism and homosexuality have been strongly rebuked in the name of Jesus in schools, with learners found engaging in such practices risking expulsion, according to the Minister of Education and Training, Honourable Owen Nxumalo.
The Minister minced no words in condemning these practices, saying it had come to his attention that some pupils were being coerced into gangsterism and homosexuality, actions he said compromise the future and wellbeing of learners. He stressed that schools should remain safe spaces focused on learning, discipline and moral development.
Nxumalo made these remarks during his tour of selected schools in Mbabane, including Ka Schiele High School, Mqolo Primary School, Mater Dolorosa (MDS) Primary School, Hermann Gmeiner (SOS) High School, as well as Woodlands High School. During his visits, the Minister addressed learners, teachers and school authorities, speaking strongly against what he described as unacceptable behaviour in schools.
“We do not know where these practices come from, and we rebuke them in the name of Jesus,” Nxumalo said. “One fails to understand why a girl would convince another girl to fall in love with her.” He added that such acts pollute other innocent pupils who want to focus on their education in order to secure a brighter future.
The Minister said he had learned that there were people who opposed the expulsion of misbehaving learners, advocating instead for positive discipline in all circumstances. However, he made it clear that serious misconduct would not be tolerated.
“When Regional Education Officers (REOs) challenge the expulsion of such learners, I will agree with the principal who has expelled the child to continue doing so, because we cannot tolerate that nonsense,” Nxumalo said. He emphasised that discipline is essential for maintaining order and protecting the majority of learners who are committed to their studies.
Nxumalo also referred to the stance taken by the President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, on matters relating to homosexuality, saying he believed the leader had taken the correct position on the issue. The Minister reiterated his belief that God created people and animals with the intention that they should multiply, which, in his view, could only happen through heterosexual relationships.
He described homosexuality as going against the will of God and said such practices should not be allowed to influence learners in schools. According to the Minister, these issues distract children from their education and undermine the values schools are meant to instil.
Nxumalo said many people were afraid to confront such matters openly, but as a leader, he would not shy away from addressing them directly. He maintained that protecting learners and safeguarding the future of education in the country required firm decisions and moral clarity.
