The genesis and development of religious education as a school subject in Gazankulu

The dissertation is concerned with Christian religious education as a school subject in Gazankulu. As such, the research aims at establishing the nature, as well as the problems experienced in Gazankulu secondary schools concerning this subject. The founding of Swiss Mission stations among the Tsonga/ Shangaan people since 1873, went hand in hand with the founding and maintenance of schools for almost 82 years - a period in which Religious Education was overemphasised. Certain aspects of the Welsh Commission Report of 1935-1936 as well as of the Eiselen Commission Report of 1949-1951 revealing the position of Religious Education, and the subsequent introduction of the so-called Bantu Education with its negative effects on Religious Education, are examined. Problems experienced in Gazankulu secondary schools have, therefore, been exposed and their influence on pupils have been assessed. A few practical solutions in the form of recommendations concludes this studyEducational StudiesM. Ed. (History of Education