Judicial Review on Rastafarian Children's School Attendance Approved


The High Court in Zomba has dismissed the Attorney General's application to dismiss a judicial review application challenging the prevention of Rastafarian children from attending school in dreadlocks. Judge Zione Ntaba has described the Attorney General's conduct of bringing a preliminary objection at such a late stage without good reasons as a delaying tactic and deemed it unconscionable. The court further questioned their laidback approach to a human rights issue, particularly where minors are involved. The Office of the AG has also been condemned in costs for their application.
In the year 2020, Judge Ntaba issued an injunction compelling the Ministry of Education and its agents to allow enrollment of Rastafarian children in government schools. The matter has been set down for hearing on the 14th day of March 2023.
The children are being represented by Chikondi Chijozi and are receiving support from various organizations, including the Women Lawyers Association Malawi, Southern Africa Litigation Centre and Center for Human Rights Education, Advice and Assistance - Chreaa.