SAHRC: Pupils should have option of gender non-conforming uniforms
The South African Human Rights Commission says pupils must be given a choice to wear gender-non-conforming uniforms at school.
It has also recommended the Basic Education Department look into a pricing cap on school uniforms.
The commission's Eileen Carter says they have received a number of complaints from parents about the cost of school uniforms.
Schools are due to open next week.
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Carter says the uniform policy should not discriminate against any gender or a person's identity.
"Whatever we do, does it feed into the rights of Basic Education? Because that's the reason why the children are in school for.
"If there's nothing that prevents them from studying, whether they are wearing blue under wear or whether they are wearing they are wearing a dress." We then have to ask ourselves why we would then put them through disciplinary measures if they don't conform to these very strict uniform regulations."
"It is very binary. Our recommendation is to make available school uniforms that they can choose from."
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