A second Cape Town school has come under fire for making Muslim pupils write exams on Eid.
The Western Cape Education Department yesterday reiterated an order that schools retract all letters imposing on religious holidays.
This warning comes after a Muslim parent at Saffier Primary School in Parow Valley took to social media to complain about a letter she received, stating that pupils will be writing exams on the day of Eid.
The mother said she was disgusted by the school’s insensitive attitude: “I’m speechless as I am told religious holidays are not taken into consideration when planning exams.
“Every year they are shocked that days like Eid and Ascension Day would require worship and celebrations by its believers.”
Another parent, who asked not to be named, added: “Asking our children to write on Eid is like asking Christians to write on Christmas Day.”
The letter, signed by the principal, Mr Van der Vyfer, reads: “We are aware that Eid will be taking place on either 4 or 5 June 2019.
The examination is however still continuing.
“Therefore we would like to put the parents at ease that we will be following the same procedures with our Muslim learners as we did with our Christian learners on Ascension Day.
“It is still a normal school day and Muslim learners are encouraged to come to school, write their exam paper and then go and enjoy their celebrations.”
Christians observed Ascension Day yesterday.
WCED spokesperson, Bronagh Hammond, said the Metro North District received a complaint on Thursday morning.
“The District director has sent an email to all schools in Metro North, including Saffier PS, indicating that they are to retract all such letters, if issued, and to accommodate Muslim learners on Eid.
“The WCED position is that minority religious groups within a school community should not be disadvantaged in any way.”
Earlier this week, Capetonians vented on social media after learning that De Waveren Primary School in Ruyterwacht was giving Christian pupils the day off on Ascension Day, but expected Muslim pupils to write exams on Eid, which is taking place next week to mark the end of Ramadaan.
saafia.february@inl.co.za