Public schools shifting from Christian

For decades, education in public schools was controlled by Christian National Education (CNE) — an apartheid-era ideology that placed Christianity at the centre of learning.

- Eva Haahjem-Gill reflects on the evolving role of religion in Johannesburg’s public schools

It aimed to promote a worldview rooted in religious principles and national identity through the teachings of Christian values and Afrikaner nationalism.

For learners from other religious and cultural backgrounds, this system felt exclusionary, rigid and alienating.

The education system evolved after the first democratic elections in 1994 and many public schools have endeavoured to create an inclusive environment. But the effects of CNE’s ideologies linger.

Learners may enter culturally diverse classrooms, but questions remain about how inclusive these spaces truly are, and whether religion should have a place in secular education at all.

The end of apartheid prompted a need for reform, and the entire educational framework was reconceptualised to align with the values of the Constitution — equality, freedom and diversity.

Public schools are led by that framework, prioritising secularism in education. This differs from what is expected at independent religious schools, where religion is taught openly and is central to the institution’s identity.

Section 15(2) of the Constitution provides that religious observances may be conducted at state or stateaided institutions if they follow the rules made by the appropriate public authorities, are conducted on an equitable basis and their attendance is voluntary.