Eswatini may allow trousers in girls’ school uniforms
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Times of Eswatini
Eswatini’s Education Minister Owen Nxumalo says the school uniform policy should be reviewed, notably the ban on trousers for female pupils. He points to a possible conflict with constitutional rights, while MPs defend keeping the rule introduced in 2017 until an official decision, the Times of Eswatini reports.
Eswatini’s Minister of Education and Training, Owen Nxumalo, said that the government could review the rule banning female pupils from wearing trousers with their school uniform. He was speaking during a visit to William Pitcher College in Manzini, according to the Times of Eswatini.
Owen Nxumalo said that the ban could conflict with constitutional provisions on clothing choices. The debate also concerns cultural traditions and pupils’ practical needs. The current policy stems from Circular No. 10 of 2017, approved by the government after consultation with education stakeholders.
The ministry’s principal secretary, Nanikie Mnisi, had sought MPs’ views on retaining or revising the rule during their retreat at Sibebe Resort on 14 October. She recalled that any amendment must receive official approval. Some MPs defended retaining the policy and said that schools could not adopt different uniform rules on their own.
The debate adds to other discussions about rules and practices in Eswatini’s education system. On 18 October, the country also announced plans to regulate honorary doctorates and questionable degrees.
