Removing school uniforms would highlight inequality, warns Motshekga
Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga has warned that the removal of school uniforms would only serve to highlight inequality among pupils.
Motshekga made the remarks during the launch of the school governing body (SGB) elections at Abram Hlophe Primary School in Katlehong on Monday.
"I think anybody who comes from a poor background like ourselves, or from a township, they will tell you the value of school uniform.
"Every year I have to be answering a question from people saying do away with school uniform and I ask them what should be in a place of a uniform?
"Home clothes are a big problem because they are a social indicator and immediately you remove school uniform, you are going to really begin to show kids amongst themselves that who comes from a rich family and young people are very sensitive and when they don't have designer clothes, it embarrasses them."
Motshekga believes school uniforms are a social equaliser.
"When learners are wearing a grey or white uniform, they look the same and there is no issue of inferiority complex that will come in.
"It helps us also to identify where the learner comes from so, it helps us also to identify learners, managing their movement, and for me, is to equalise."
The Competition Commission published a circular towards the end of 2020, aimed at curbing anti-competitive procurement practices at schools.
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