*Caption: Learners at Sastri College protest against inequality

Written by: Ndumiso Nxumalo

A group of leaners from Sastri College in Durban boycotted outside their school premises on Monday morning stating that there is no equality within the school.

Leaners alleged that school teachers are not treating them equally and the code of conduct presented to learners was not being followed. Some of their grievances include racism as learners say it has escalated following the departure of the previous principal, Vine Moddley.

The school’s Representative Council of Leaners (RCL) President Zaakir Essa, said that the issue has been going on for years.

“We wrote a letter to the school principal on the 9^th of August 2016 and they said it was a fashion statement. Braids were allowed in school, but (when) learners came with bazar things they stopped it,” said Essa.

Nomkhosi Ntshangase (17) doing grade 11, alleged that some learners of other races are being called names when they have long hair.

“One of our fellow students was dismissed for seven days after he had a fade haircut; it’s unfair and as leaners we are tired of that,” said Ntshangase.

Students were locked out of the school because some learners allegedly broke the code of conduct. However no wherein the school’s code of conducts does it state that learners are not allowed to have braids.

The school’s code of conduct that was issued in 2014 regarding the issue of hair, states: “Hair that is permed/spiralled will have to be plaited, no fancy hairstyles. Short hair must be above the collar and well groomed. Fringes must be above the eyebrow and neatly trimmed.”

The principal, school governing body and RCLs convened in a meeting to reach a resolution, as police tried to calm leaners and maintain order.

Classes inside the school’s premises continued whilst other learners protested outside the gate..

The principal was unavailable for comment.