GOVT BANS SCHOOLS’ PROM NIGHTS

MBABANE – Banned! The Ministry of Education and Training has indefinitely prohibited prom nights following an alleged negligence observed during these events. 

In a statement released by the ministry’s Principal Secretary Bertram Stewart yesterday, he said the ministry had learnt with shock that schools were conducting prom nights for school leavers amid COVID-19 concerns, as reported in the media.

This is despite that gatherings are allowed to be hosted, as long as they do not exceed 100 and 200 people, if the event is held in doors and in an open area respectively. 

It is worth noting that government, through the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), announced fines for breaching the regulations, which came into effect on November 19, 2020.

Functions 

NDMA CEO Russell Dlamini said the number of people attending functions such as weddings, funerals or memorial services or an art entertainment event in closed areas should not exceed 100 and 200 people if held in an open area.

Dlamini said those in charge of the gatherings should take all the necessary steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 or face the stipulated fine.

“All gathering shall not last for more than two hours, 30 minutes but an exception will be made to those who would be granted permission by the minister of Home Affairs after applying,” he was quoted.

The CEO noted that it was expected for all emaSwati to wear masks when in a public spaces, adding that ‘once you are out of your home, it is compulsory to wear the mask or when travelling in private vehicles with passengers.’

He said if a person was found to have breached the regulations, they would pay a fine of E100 or face arrest. 

Meanwhile, Stewart highlighted that the ministry reminded head teachers that COVID-19 was still a serious issue. 

Spread 

“Schools should be proactive in preventing the spread of the disease. As a result, such negligence is regrettable. Therefore, the ministry advises head teachers that no school shall hold a prom night from now on until further notice,” the PS said. 

When queried what prompted the decision to halt prom nights when the COVID-19 regulations allowed for gatherings with 100 people, Stewart said it was not safe for school leavers to host them since there was no compliance, especially on wearing of the masks. 

The PS said the ministry observed that in the prom pictures, the school leavers were without masks.  

Meanwhile, Eswatini Principals Association (EWAPA) President Welcome Mhlanga said there was nothing he could say except that the horse had already bolted. Mhlanga mentioned that head teachers who hosted the prom nights had probably considered the COVID-19 regulations.

“They probably kept in mind that the number of school leavers were within the acceptable number, but once we get a directive, we will look at the contents,” Mhlanga said. 

The news of the ban on prom nights was not received well by some school leavers as they expressed their disappointment. A learner in one of the schools in the capital city shared that her parents had spent E5 500 in preparing for her prom, which was slated for next weekend.

“It is a bitter pill to swallow because my parents have really spent a lot of money for my prom. They will be disappointed to hear that their money will go to waste,” the dejected school leaver said. 

Her parent shared the same sentiments.

Memorable 

“Although I was not keen on these prom nights, I wanted my daughter to have a memorable day to look back to when she finishes high school. I am really disappointed, especially because I spent a lot of money on this,” the parent lamented.

Mayibongwe Dlamini, Minister of Entertainment at Ngwane Teachers College, expressed shock on the ministry’s decision. He said they would be hosting the college’s Fresher’s Ball this weekend.

“It is really disheartening because many students had shown keen interest in attending the event,” he said.

Dlamini stressed that the ministry should have at least considered events that would comply with the regulations.   

Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) Secretary General Sikelela Dlamini said government should clarify its statement. 

Confusion 

“This might have been caused by the confusion that was done by government, that of decommissioning the National Emergency and yet maintaining that COVID-19 regulations are still in full force. This was a clear paradox, you do not speak in a forked tongue if you are a leader. Government must clarify this,” Dlamini said.

He said as a union, they were cognisant of the fact that COVID-19 posed serious challenges to humanity, and that in order for the human race to defeat it, concerted efforts were needed and collaboration from all sectors of society. However, he said it may be difficult for them to blame heads of schools in the midst of the confusion that was created by government.

“Our advice to all emaSwati is that we all need to ensure that we are safe from this pandemic,” Dlamini said.

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