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Media Advisory: The SAHRC in the Eastern Cape to launch the School Uniform and Overregulation of Appearances Report

Attention: Editors and Reporters

17 October 2023

The South African Human Rights Commission’s (the Commission) in Eastern Cape conducted an investigative inquiry with the purpose of addressing concerns regarding the alleged excessive regulation of learners' appearances and school uniforms in institutions of learning. The Inquiry took place from March 14th to March 16th, 2022, and it was conducted in response to complaints received by the Commission on this matter. Additionally, various media reports highlighted instances of alleged discriminatory practices by educators concerning learners' natural hair, religious symbols, cultural symbols, and requests for gender-neutral school uniforms.

The Inquiry endeavoured to ascertain if indeed, there was an excessive regulation of school uniforms and learner appearances and whether such regulation unjustifiably infringed upon the learners' fundamental human rights to education, equality, freedom of expression and dignity as enshrined in the Constitution.

It is against this background that the Commission will release its report by conducting a launch of the report, its outcomes and recommendations thereof. The media will be afforded an opportunity to ask questions and enquiries.  In addition, the ECPO will conduct a legal clinic on the day and communities in the Makhanda area will be afforded with an opportunity to bring their complaints to the attention of the Commission.

The launch is scheduled to take place as follows:

Date:    19 October 2023

Venue: Rhodes University (Africa Media Matrix Building)

Microsoft Link: Click here to join the meeting

Time:   10:00 – 12:00

Ends

For further information, contact the SAHRC Provincial Manager, Dr Eileen Carter @ 043 722 7828/072 638 9016 or email on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and Zukiswa N Mqakanya @ 043 722 7828 or email on: zmqakanya@sahrc.org.za

 

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