SAHRC in E Cape holds inquiry into school uniform guidelines

The South African Human Rights Commission in the Eastern Cape is holding an inquiry into the Right to Basic Education and the Regulation of School Uniforms.

Participants include various civil society organisations like Sibanye LGBTI, Access Chapter 2, the Commission for Gender Equality, the Eastern Cape House of Traditional Leaders and the SA Hindu Maha Sabha.

Issues to be explored include whether the perceived over-regulation of the appearances and uniforms of learners contribute towards a violation of their equality, dignity, freedom of expression and basic education rights?

School uniforms are a topic of interest for learners, parents and schools. However, the effect of school uniforms on the rights of individuals is now under the spotlight.

SAHRC Advocate, Andre Gaum says the high cost of school uniforms will also be under the microscope.

Meanwhile, the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) says it is concerned that the Department of Basic Education’s draft guidelines on school uniforms lack a human rights framework and are discriminatory.