Are school 'Civvies Days' quietly shaming poor kids? education activist raises alarm

By Mapaballo Borotho

Some parents say school fundraising events such as civvies days are placing unnecessary financial pressure on families.
Education activist Hendrick Makaneta has called on the Department of Education to review these activities to ensure they do not disadvantage poorer learners.
His concerns come as a teacher in George was suspended after allegedly mocking a pupil who could not afford a pie during a school fundraising event.

Fundraising events in schools have always been part of school culture, allowing teachers and learners to continue with teaching and learning while also relaxing and having fun.

However, in recent years many people have taken to social media to express concerns that some schools impose these events on parents and their children, and that they have become increasingly expensive in a country where the cost of living continues to rise.

Education activist Hendrick Makaneta has called on the Department of Education to relook at these fundraising activities and find ways to accommodate learners who come from homes that are not always able to afford them.

“Civvies days are meant to bring fun and excitement into schools, but for many families they are becoming a source of stress and financial pressure. While the intention behind these days may be positive, the reality for many learners is very different.

School uniforms exist to create equality among learners regardless of their background. Civvies days remove that equality and often expose economic differences between learners. Many children feel pressure to wear new clothes so that they do not feel judged by their peers,” said Makaneta.

For some families, this pressure means spending money they had not planned to spend. In some cases, parents feel compelled to go out and buy new clothes just so their children will not feel left out.

What was once intended as a fun activity has, for some households, become a financial burden at a time when many families are already struggling.

Makaneta says schools play a vital role in promoting dignity and equality among learners. He believes activities designed to build school spirit should never unintentionally create division.

Makaneta’s concerns come after a teacher from George was suspended following the release of a video that captured her mocking a Grade 1 pupil for not having money to buy a pie while his classmates enjoyed theirs.

Western Cape education department spokesperson Bronagh Hammond, who described the incident as “totally inappropriate”, said the Thembalethu Primary School teacher will remain suspended until a formal probe is completed.

In the viral clip, the teacher can be heard speaking to pupils as they eat at their desks in class. The pies had been bought during the school’s “pie day” fundraising event.