| | History book dispute 'is politicking' 
The Oxford history book causing the dispute - 'In Search of History', written by J. Bottaro, P. Visser and N. Worden 
Lesley Stephenson WHILE the Inkatha Freedom Party has branded the Grade 12 history textbook 'In Search of History' a 'propaganda tool for the ANC' used to 'poison the minds of the young people', some history experts believe the allegations are out of proportion and just part of politicking.
Albert van Jaarsveld, acting head of the History Department at the University of Zululand, has examined the textbook in question and his findings are that 'it is very balanced'.
'The textbook makes it clear that the cartoon (of IFP president Dr Mangoisuthu Buthelezi) is a biased cartoon.
'Representations of history have to be as honest as possible and that cartoon was published at the time, making its presence in the textbook valid'.
Van Jaarsveld added that Nigel Worden, one of the textbook's three authors, is 'a well respected historian'.
According to Ballito's Seaforth College's history teacher Heidi Kantor, the textbook is the most intellectually demanding textbook available at the moment and most IEB (Independent Examinations Board) schools are using it.
'It's a good textbook, even if it may be slightly ANC slanted,' said Kantor. | |
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