Rights vs Rules: A Commentary on Nathan Mubanga (Suing as the Father and Next Friend of a Minor CM) and Anor v Attorney General (2023/HP/0403) ZMHC3 (19 February 2025)

Authors

Chanda Mwape, Southern African Institute for Policy and Research

Publication Date

11-2025

Abstract

The High Court of Zambia upheld a school's refusal to admit a Rastafari child with dreadlocks. The author argues that the Court erred by failing to consider regional jurisprudence, international human rights trends, and the historical context of discrimination against natural African hair. The piece contends that requiring Rastafari children to cut their dreadlocks to access public education effectively denies them their rights to education, freedom of religion, and protection from discrimination.

Recommended Citation

Mwape, Chanda (2025) "Rights vs Rules: A Commentary on Nathan Mubanga (Suing as the Father and Next Friend of a Minor CM) and Anor v Attorney General (2023/HP/0403) ZMHC3 (19 February 2025)," SAIPAR Case Review: Vol. 8: Iss. 2, Article 5.
Available at: https://scholarship.law.cornell.edu/scr/vol8/iss2/5