FOLLOWING his statement that there was no place for gays in schools, the Coordinating Assembly of Non-Governmental Organisations (CANGO) has called on Minister of Education and Training Owen Nxumalo to retract his remarks.
CANGO labelled the remarks as discriminatory.
The minister made the statement on Tuesday during the first day of the 2026 academic calendar at Woodlands High School as he toured schools around Mbabane, welcoming and encouraging pupils to work hard for the year ahead.
CANGO said Nxumalo’s remarks were alarming, discriminatory, and inconsistent with local constitutional commitments to dignity, equality, and non-discrimination.
Together with its partners, CANGO issued a statement yesterday condemning the minister’s remarks directed at LGBTQ+ learners. CANGO and its human rights and social justice partners shared deep concern over the statements.
They also called upon government and Parliament to accelerate national dialogue on legal protections for marginalised groups, including LGBTQI+ learners, in line with local human rights obligations. CANGO further called on civil society and community leaders to work collaboratively to end stigma and promote understanding and respect for diversity.
“CANGO, through its Human Rights Consortium and partners, remains committed to promoting non-discrimination, equality, and the wellbeing of all learners.”
The organisation urged authorities to adopt a compassionate, rights-based approach that prioritises inclusivity and respects the dignity of every child. It implored educators and school administrators to uphold principles of non-discrimination and ensure that all learners are protected from abuse, harassment, and exclusion.
CANGO revealed that research showed LGBTQ+ persons in the kingdom already face widespread stigma and discrimination, which directly impacts their health, safety, and wellbeing. It added that educational institutions must remain safe spaces, emphasising that schools should nurture learning, personal growth, and safety for all children.
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“Threatening expulsion based on perceived sexual orientation not only violates basic human rights but also places vulnerable learners at heightened risk of mental health challenges, bullying, and school dropout.”
CANGO stressed that no learner should fear attending school because of who they are.
It called on the minister to retract the discriminatory remarks and recommit to creating safe and inclusive learning environments.
According to an article published by this publication yesterday, the minister stated that there was “no place for gays in schools” and threatened expulsion for learners engaging in same-sex relationships.
CANGO said the statements were therefore alarming, discriminatory, and inconsistent with the country’s constitutional commitments to dignity, equality, and non-discrimination.
