LAWYER ENGAGED OVER KASAMA PUPIL DENIED ACCESS TO CLASS BECAUSE OF RASTAFARI FAITH
By Pesulani Mwale
THE family of Mubanga Chisanga, a Grade 8 pupil at Kasama Boys Secondary School denied of attending class because of his adherence to the Rastafari faith, has hired a Lawyer to look into his plight.
In a letter of demand addressed to the Attorney General, Muyatwa Legal Practitioners indicated that they are acting for the House of Rastafari, a religious organization registered in accordance with Zambian laws, and father to the victim, Nathan Mubanga.
Mubanga Chisanga, aged 13, was accepted at Kasama Boys Secondary School having successfully passed his Grade 7 exams in 2022, and did indicate on his enrolment form that he is of Rastafari faith.
He has however missed 4 weeks of lessons after being chased on various days by the Head teacher of the school who demanded that he cuts off his dreadlocks, a symbol of one who has pledged the Nazarene vow in accordance to their teachings.
Muyatwa Legal Practitioners have since indicated that cutting off his dreadlocks would amount to going against Chisanga’s spiritual inclination guaranteed in Chapter 1 of the country’s Constitution and an infringement of his Right to Education.
The Law Firm has demanded that Chisanga be allowed to attend classes at Kasama Boys Secondary School without any reservation or condition on the basis of his hair.
They note that in the event Chisanga is not allowed to attend classes by 20th February, 2023, legal proceedings against the State will be undertaken for infringement of Human Rights.
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