Authorities in four provinces have started the rollout of a plan that will provide thousands of needy learners with free school uniforms.
The scheme is part of an ambitious plan by the department of social development and the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) aimed at providing broader social relief to families affected by poverty. At this stage the provincial governments in Gauteng, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State are the only ones who have made provision to supply children with free school uniforms.
The scheme is open to learners from schools across the provinces, provided they are assessed by social workers who will determine whether they qualify for the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) programme.
“The national government ordered that half a billion rand be channelled to the SRD programme by the end of March 2009, and the school uniform initiative is just a part of this broader plan,” said Kgati Sathekge, director of communications at the department of social development.
“Learners who meet the criteria set down by the various provinces will be provided with full uniform; including shoes, socks, trousers, shirts, jerseys and dresses for girls.”
“For us it is important that the morale of children is high when they go to school and we feel that this initiative to provide them with school uniforms will go a long way to doing this,” he added.
Parents of learners who want apply for the assistance have until the end of March to do so, and are advised to contact their local department of social development for further details.