Apartheid to be introduced as a school subject

Government says a publication to introduce apartheid as a subject in the mainstream school curriculum is in its final stages of production. Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang made the announcement when she briefed the media on achievements by the justice, crime prevention and social cluster. She said wide consultations to ensure balanced content had been undertaken. The subject is set to depict the geographical set-up and history of apartheid systems in the country. It will be offered at primary and secondary schools.

In its reaction to the move, the Freedom Front says the ANC government is trying to distort history. FF Plus spokesperson Andrew Gerber says an inclusive and balanced version of the apartheid history will have to include the acts of terror of MK and APLA members. He says the party is opposed to the introduction of apartheid as a subject in schools and says it smacks of political opportunisms apparently aimed at recruiting sympathetic supporters for the ANC amongst the youth.