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5 May 2009

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Arts, Culture and Tourism’s MEC Mrs
Weziwe Thusi has responded with shock and dismay after a newspaper expose on a Durban Kentucky Fried Chicken employee who has been allegedly fired for wearing a traditional bracelet (isiphandla).

“It is sad that there are people in our society who still disrespect others’ cultures and basic human rights. As a department we strongly condemn the alleged act by the employer (of firing Miss Slindile Mbongwa) just because she was wearing a traditional bracelet at work. This action is clearly against the law and the Constitution of our country.

“Under no circumstances are we going to tolerate people who, in this day and age, show utter disrespect for one’s cultures and traditions. South Africa has been a free country for 15 years now and it is unbelievable that there are people who call themselves South Africans but still fire people for practicing their cultures.

The Department of Arts, Culture and Tourism will not allow this matter to rest until a full and thorough investigation has been conducted into this matter. The department will also approach the Human Rights Commission to intervene in this matter,” said MEC Thusi.

For more information contact:
Vukani Mbhele
Tel: 033 341 3600
Cell: 083 307 8964

Issued by: Department of Arts, Culture and Tourism, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
5 May 2009