Mission Statement:
We, the learners of Zeerust Combined School, believe that school rules should promote discipline, respect, and learning, without violating our dignity, culture, or equality. We call for the immediate review of our school’s hair and uniform policies.
Background:
Our current code of conduct includes rules that:
Force boys to cut their hair to exactly 2 cm.
Restrict girls to a limited number of hairstyles.
Ban singles (individual braids), beads, accessories, and styling gel.
Force girls to keep hair above collar length or in a bun if longer.
Require all learners to wear sportswear every Wednesday, even when no sport is scheduled.
Why This Is a Problem:
These rules go beyond neatness and discipline, which is all the law requires.
They unfairly target African hairstyles and cultural practices.
They violate rights guaranteed in the Constitution:
Equality (Section 9)
Dignity (Section 10)
Freedom of culture (Sections 30 and 31)
The Wednesday sportswear rule has no educational purpose, causes embarrassment for some learners, and adds unnecessary cost for families.
What We Ask For:
1. A review of the code of conduct with input from learners, parents, and the School Governing Body.
2. Hair rules that simply require neatness, cleanliness, and no disruption to learning.
3. Sportswear to be worn only on days when sport is scheduled.
4. All rules to respect learners’ dignity, culture, and rights under the Constitution.
Closing Statement:
We respect the school’s role in promoting discipline and unity. But discipline must never come at the cost of dignity, equality, or culture. We call on the School Governing Body and management to update the code of conduct so it is fair, lawful, and respectful of all learners.
24 Comments
I don't get why the school complains about our hairstyles as they have nothing to do with our education I mean there's nothing wrong with wanting to actually look decent and neat.
Nna tota kgang ena ya 2 cm ha entse sentle waitse,moriri kante gate o tsena kaemo education le tlile gore ruta or le tlile gore sekisa ka meriri ya rona khamon man. For the freedom of our hair we will fight for it SENZENI NAH,AMAAAAANDLA✊
I think the school showed not look at what school kids wear and what they do on their hair because we come from different houses holdes and some kids can't afford to buy sports wear and do they hair as the school requests they should do all They should do is just appreciate that learners are giving them respect
This petition is a great idea cause we are being oppressed at a place that's supposed to liberate and empower us and this matter must be taken seriously
Leave us alone yu bullies... we as boys we want to grow our hair and braid our hair
Our rights n culture are ignored by the school
areyeng!!
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Mission Statement:
We, the learners of Zeerust Combined School, believe that school rules should promote discipline, respect, and learning, without violating our dignity, culture, or equality. We call for the immediate review of our school’s hair and uniform policies.
Background:
Our current code of conduct includes rules that:
Force boys to cut their hair to exactly 2 cm.
Restrict girls to a limited number of hairstyles.
Ban singles (individual braids), beads, accessories, and styling gel.
Force girls to keep hair above collar length or in a bun if longer.
Require all learners to wear sportswear every Wednesday, even when no sport is scheduled.
Why This Is a Problem:
These rules go beyond neatness and discipline, which is all the law requires.
They unfairly target African hairstyles and cultural practices.
They violate rights guaranteed in the Constitution:
Equality (Section 9)
Dignity (Section 10)
Freedom of culture (Sections 30 and 31)
The Wednesday sportswear rule has no educational purpose, causes embarrassment for some learners, and adds unnecessary cost for families.
What We Ask For:
1. A review of the code of conduct with input from learners, parents, and the School Governing Body.
2. Hair rules that simply require neatness, cleanliness, and no disruption to learning.
3. Sportswear to be worn only on days when sport is scheduled.
4. All rules to respect learners’ dignity, culture, and rights under the Constitution.
Closing Statement:
We respect the school’s role in promoting discipline and unity. But discipline must never come at the cost of dignity, equality, or culture. We call on the School Governing Body and management to update the code of conduct so it is fair, lawful, and respectful of all learners.
24 Comments
let's be real, some rules just don't make sense. Not all of us can afford sports uniforms right now. Some kids are already struggling to make ends meet, and adding more financial stress isn't gonna help us focus on our studies. And honestly, what's the deal with the styling gel rule? We style our hair at home, not in class. And what about the braids? Some of us can't afford fancy hairstyles, so we stick to simple knotless braids that last. It's not like our hair's gonna distract us from learning. Can we please revisit these rules and make them more realistic?
I don't get why the school complains about our hairstyles as they have nothing to do with our education I mean there's nothing wrong with wanting to actually look decent and neat.
Nna tota kgang ena ya 2 cm ha entse sentle waitse,moriri kante gate o tsena kaemo education le tlile gore ruta or le tlile gore sekisa ka meriri ya rona khamon man. For the freedom of our hair we will fight for it SENZENI NAH,AMAAAAANDLA✊
I think the school showed not look at what school kids wear and what they do on their hair because we come from different houses holdes and some kids can't afford to buy sports wear and do they hair as the school requests they should do all They should do is just appreciate that learners are giving them respect
This petition is a great idea cause we are being oppressed at a place that's supposed to liberate and empower us and this matter must be taken seriously
Leave us alone yu bullies... we as boys we want to grow our hair and braid our hair
Our rights n culture are ignored by the school
areyeng!!
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let's be real, some rules just don't make sense. Not all of us can afford sports uniforms right now. Some kids are already struggling to make ends meet, and adding more financial stress isn't gonna help us focus on our studies. And honestly, what's the deal with the styling gel rule? We style our hair at home, not in class. And what about the braids? Some of us can't afford fancy hairstyles, so we stick to simple knotless braids that last. It's not like our hair's gonna distract us from learning. Can we please revisit these rules and make them more realistic?