From “soft tops” to slick-backs, slits and braids . . . no fancy new hairstyles were tolerated at Bethelsdorp Comprehensive School, where more than 100 pupils were sent home to fix their hair on the first day of school.
Angry pupils from grade 8 to matric chanted “bring back [Leon] Arendse” – the school’s former principal – as they stood outside the locked gates, after being sent home by acting principal Ralph Jacobus.
However, Jacobus was adamant the pupils would be allowed back only once they adhered to the code of conduct and arrived with neat hair-dos.
Parents and pupils lining the perimeter fence argued that hairstyles had no bearing on the children’s ability to learn and were therefore not a valid reason for them to miss the first day of school.
But Jacobus was having none of it.
“These parents and pupils signed the code of conduct and as such committed that they would adhere to the rules, which include having neat and presentable hair,” he said.
“Right from the onset we need to ensure there is discipline. If we allow one to get away with it so early in the year, these kids will take advantage and push the limits throughout. Parents also need to take responsibility.”
Grade 8 pupil Rivaldo Calvert, 16, said his soft top and shaved slit were, in fact, a neat hairstyle.
“My hair is probably more in place and looking smarter than the children who are still in the classes,” he said.
“This morning as we were lined up to go to classes, the principal and teachers just started picking us out and sending us home, saying we must fix our hair.”
Irate parent Davine Scheepers said regardless of the code, hairstyles were not a sufficient reason to stop pupils from learning. “It is the first day and these kids are already behind.
“They don’t have stationery now, they don’t know whose classes they are in, so even if we go cut the hair today they lost out on a day of school. A very bad start to the year.”
Department of education spokesperson Loyiso Pulumani said the SA Schools Act placed the power with the school and parents when it came to issues relating to the code of conduct.
“These decisions regarding the code of conduct are taken and decided upon at the school’s AGM meeting where all parents and staff decide. So the school is within its rights.
“The issue comes in when parents who are not attending these AGMs are unaware of the rules and do not take responsibility to be informed and adhere to them.”