Statements by the education minister, officials and government leaders that they were unaware of the reported racial segregation of students in the country's national-type schools are becoming common fare. Such statements, whether honest or not, do nothing for nation building.

If these people who are in positions of authority and power are really unaware that such things are happening to our young children in school, it is indeed shocking and speaks volumes of the deplorable level of professionalism in the education system.

On the other hand, if these officials are not telling the truth, then I hope they realise the kind of monster they have created in this country, not to mention the kind of monsters they themselves are. Whichever is the case, the country loses.

The education minister says that racial segregation in the country's national-type schools is not official policy. Policy is one thing, ensuring policy is met and practised is another.

Following this debacle, one also wonders what else the authorities are 'unaware' of.