Expensive school uniforms infringe on Constitutional right to education – SA Human Rights Commission

Bongani Bingwa chats with Dr Eileen Carter from the South African Human Rights Commission.

Listen below.

The SA Human Rights Commission continues to battle against the high price of school uniforms. 

“It places unnecessary burdens on families, particularly those already facing economic hardship.” 

– Dr Eileen Carter, South African Human Rights Commission

“While [suppliers'] operation costs are valid… We can’t commodify education. Suppliers have a duty to ensure their practices do not exploit families.” 

– Dr Eileen Carter, South African Human Rights Commission

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She says school governing bodies, schools, and the Department of Education have a particular role in ensuring transparency and accountability.

The Commission has recommended abolishing hair policies, auditing schools' codes of conduct, and implementing school uniform cost caps.

“Children are being put through disciplinary processes if they are wearing ill-fitting school uniforms… that infringes on their right to dignity, the right to equality.” 

– Dr Eileen Carter, South African Human Rights Commission

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the discussion.