Statement by André Gaum, Western Cape Education Minister

I welcome the decision to postpone finalisation of the policy document on religion in schools to the next meeting of the Council of Education Ministers on the 9th of June 2003.

This creates opportunity for further comment, until 22 April 2003, on this very sensitive and emotional issue. All stakeholders should make use of the opportunity to voice their opinion on the matter.

The postponement also offers an opportunity for further discussions with, amongst others, Minister Asmal. I hope that reason would prevail with regard to this issue and that the problem in this regard will be resolved in the best interest of our schools and all South Africans.

Religious observance in schools is a human right in terms of our Constitution that must be honoured and for which I am willing to make a strong stand to the last.

Religion is an integral part of our society and schools are in turn microcosms of our society. It will be a risky and unnatural exercise to artificially divide education and religion.