Publications
Partners
Johannesburg - Pretoria High School for Girls’ pupils can wear braids, cornrows or dreadlocks, but only if they are a maximum of 10mm in diameter.
This is according to its 36-page Code of Conduct, available on its website.
The school is facing the wrath of black pupils after it apparently told them to straighten their hair, some of the girls had claimed.
All hair had to be brushed, neatly tied back if long enough, and be kept out of the face, according to the code.
No patterned cornrows were allowed. Longer braids had to be tied back. No decorations or beads were allowed in the hair.
However, nowhere did the code specifically forbid an afro hairstyle.
“No dyeing, bleaching, highlighting, colouring, colour washing, colour rinsing, or shaving of hair in any way is allowed.
“Singles/braids must be the same length and be the natural colour of the girl’s hair. Longer braids must be tied back.”
The girls claimed school rules forbid African hairstyles such as afros, bantu knots, dreadlocks, and braids.
They alleged they were not allowed to speak their mother tongue and that a teacher called them monkeys when they were singing and chanting in class.
Gauteng MEC Panyaza Lesufi was holding talks with the principal and pupils on Monday.
The hashtag #StopRacismAtPretoriaGirlsHigh was trending on social media on Monday.
Also read: These are the 4 hairstyles that are banned at Pretoria High School for Girls
