The Minister of Basic Education, Mrs Angie Motshekga strongly condemns the naked dancing of teenage school girls on stage in the Eastern Cape leg of the ABC Motsepe SASCE that took place this week.
There is no need for learners to go on stage completely naked and exposed in the manner we have seen circulating on social media. There have been some commentators who have said that this is part of the young women’s’ culture, however the Minister disputes this argument, saying that even taking that into account there is no need to expose these teenage girls in such a fashion in a school competition environment.
The Minister sincerely apologises to our sponsors, ABC Motsepe Foundation for the embarrassment and negativity caused to its brand. This is even more upsetting considering the increased sexual objectification of women and girls for the entertainment of men. We further apologise to the families of the younge girls for the trauma and harm caused.
It is completely inappropriate on the part of educators and they should know better that to expose teenage girls to this form exploitation. What is more preposterous is that the video is being shared widely on social media where these young girls may be exposed to all manner of humiliation at the hands of tactless social media users.
“It is extremely disappointing to see that our educators have exposed young girls to this type of public displays of nudity. There is absolutely nothing wrong with being proud of your culture and heritage, but there was absolutely no need for these children to perform completely naked. That indignity goes against the values of our cultures” Said Minister Motshekga.
The Minister has called for an investigation to take place and for the educators responsible to face disciplinary action. She also urges the public to refrain from further circulating this video as it will cause further damage to the girls involved.
As a sector we cannot afford to tarnish the reputation of such an important initiative in the name of culture. Over the years this competition has unveiled a number of award winning artists whose talent was discovered in this competition, without having to resort to such extreme measures as we have seen in this Eastern Cape incident.
Enquiries:
Elijah Mhlanga
Cell: 083 580 8275
Troy Martens
Cell: 079 899 3070
