The SA Human Rights Commission says it is imperative for the national Department of Basic Education to conduct a baseline assessment to determine a reasonable cap on the costs of basic school uniforms, considering the socio-economic circumstances of the country.
THE SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) says it is imperative for the national Department of Basic Education to conduct a baseline assessment to determine a reasonable cap on the costs of basic school uniforms, considering the socio-economic circumstances of the country.
This comes as parents are busy with last-minute shopping as schools are set to open this week.
Acting communications co-ordinator of the SAHRC, Wisani Baloyi, said this was one of their key recommendations from the report issued last year which brought to light various challenges that impact the rights and well-being of learners across the nation.
Baloyi said this recommendation was aimed at ensuring that school uniforms were affordable, reducing imbalances among learners and promoting a more inclusive educational environment.
The SAHRC also condemned the policing of learners’ hair, particularly in instances where certain practices unequally affect specific race or cultural groups.
“Hair policies that discriminate based on race, gender or cultural diversity are not only unjust but also undermine the principles of equality and dignity,” the SAHRC said.
The commission called all stakeholders, including the Department of Education, school governing bodies, educators and parents to collaborate on implementing the recommendations outlined in its report, as well as those issued by the Competition Commission.
“By working together, we can create a learning environment that upholds the rights, dignity and equality of all in our schools.
“The SAHRC remains committed to monitoring developments in this regard and encourages ongoing dialogue to address the broader challenges associated with school uniforms and appearance policies,” said the commission.
