Durban school investigates distribution of 'extremist' material to pupils

The school's governing body says an organisation that addressed pupils on Wednesday had not been given permission to give out wrapped 'gifts'. 

The school says the material of a religious nature contained inflammatory and racist propaganda. 

Northwood says it is committed to freedom of religion and expression and has a number of religious and cultural societies. 

It said in a statement that guest speakers are invited from time to time to address the societies on their interests. 

Social media went into a frenzy yesterday with claims that Islamic State propaganda had been distributed after a delegation of visitors was given permission to address the Muslim Students Association. 

The school's governing body says permission was not given to distribute gifts that were later found to contain extremist material. 

Efforts to establish the exact circumstances around the material will involve the Education Department and SAPS. 

Police yesterday confirmed to Newswatch that officers had been to the school to question several people about the incident. 

Northwood says it will not tolerate any attempt to expose pupils to material that could offend religious beliefs or incite hatred towards individuals or groups. 

Below is a leaflet from the DVD that some of the pupils received, listing quotes from the American leader of Nation of Islam, Louis Farrakhan.