Freedom of expression and the survival of democracy : has the death knell sounded for democracy in South African schools?

Abstract

In this article we argue that the right to freedom of expression is viewed internationally as a core right in a democracy. Since critical thinking is a prerequisite for democracy, this skill needs to be developed in South African (SA) schools. Critical incidents in schools, however, indicate that school authorities are not yet ready to develop this skill, as they still feel threatened by new, non-traditional meanings and opinions of authorities, learners and parents on human rights and leadership issues. We conclude that democracy is being suppressed in SA schools, since the right to freedom of expression, as a core right in a democracy, is not currently nurtured in the school system.