Durban school denies Isis propaganda

Social media was abuzz with claims that ISIS propaganda had been handed out to group of matrics at a Durban school.

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Durban - Social media was abuzz on Thursday with claims that Islamic State propaganda had been handed out to a group of matrics at Northwood School this week, after a talk by visitors to Muslim pupils.

The school acknowledged on Thursday that an incident had occurred, but denied that it involved material promoting the Islamist militant group.

Social media users speculated that the group had been on a recruitment drive at the school, but in a statement Grant Smith, the chairman of the school governing body, while acknowledging that inflammatory and racist propaganda material was distributed, denied that it was about the Islamic State.

“Material of a religious nature was distributed without our knowledge to a small group of learners on April 13,” said Smith.

He said an investigation had indicated that a delegation of visitors was given permission to address members of the Muslim Students Association during the break.

“Thereafter, without permission, the visitors distributed a number of wrapped gifts that were subsequently found to contain propaganda material that is deeply offensive.”

Smith said they were establishing the exact circumstances that led to the distribution of the material, which was not authorised or condoned by the school.

This would also involve the Department of Education and the SAPS.

“Northwood School is committed firmly to freedom of religion and expression and has a number of religious and cultural societies.

“From time to time guest speakers are invited to address these societies on their interests,” said Smith.

“The school will not tolerate any attempt to indoctrinate or expose our learners to any messages or material that could potentially offend the religious beliefs of learners and parents or incite hatred or disrespect towards any individuals or groups within our diverse society.”

Police spokesperson Thulani Zwane said police responded when they were called by the management, but no one was arrested and no case had been open yet.

He said they were following up on the case.

Social media users commented after the news emerged, questioning what material had been disseminated and how the person or group had been able to engage with pupils.

The Mercury