By Elezo Libanda
Katima Mulilo, Aug. 27 — Parents in Zambezi Region are up in arms against schools that tried banning pupils from attending classes because of their hairstyles.
A few weeks ago a school inspector had to intervene after hundreds of pupils were sent home from Caprivi senior secondary school over hairstyles and a few days ago the management of Brendan Simbwaye primary school announced intentions to ban pupils over hairstyles.
This has not gone down well with parents of pupils attending the school.
Ironically the Ministry of education, arts and culture issued a directive earlier this year stopping schools from forcing pupils, especially girls to shave their heads, or banishing pupils from school because of their hairstyles.
Executive director of education Sanet Steenkamp said at the time, that the ministry had received many complaints from the public about pupils being denied access to education because of their appearance, and according to the Constitution, no person shall be discriminated against on the grounds of sex, race, creed or socio-economic status.
“Forcing pupils, both girls and boys to shave their heads is a violation of their basic human right as provided for in the Namibian Constitution, there is no scientific evidence that supports the view that short and uniform hairstyles contribute to improved discipline within the school environment,” she said.
“The Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture supports internal school rules but these rules must not be discriminatory,” Steenkamp added.
A teacher at Brendan Simbwaye primary school who preferred to remain anonymous said teachers were not consulted on the issue before the school management made the announcement.
“It’s true there is a directive from the executive director and the school has to abide by it. Some parents and pupils may take advantage of this directive, but who are we not to abide by it? School rules cannot overshadow the Constitution,” the teacher said.
A parent who was identified as Catherine said she awaits the school to enforce the new rule and she would consult her legal advisers.
