A Malawian high court has ruled that students with dreadlocks be admitted to public schools across the country.
The court, which was sitting in the eastern city of Zomba, was hearing a plea filed by two Rastafarian youngsters who were denied entry to public schools in 2016 and 2010.
The two students, on the other hand, have been attending school since they won a court injunction.
Negotiations between Malawi’s Rastafarian community and the country’s attorney general to settle the dispute failed, leading in a lengthy judicial battle, the outcome of which was announced on Monday.
Judge Zione Ntaba ruled that barring children with dreadlocks from attending school was a breach of their right to education.
“The Ministry of Education should issue a statement to allow all children of the Rastafarian community with dreadlocks to be allowed in class. The circular should be done by 30th June,” Justice Ntaba ordered.
The case was filed by three human rights organisations on behalf of the Rastafarian community in the country.