Introduce+subsidized,+quality+school+uniforms,+YCL




 * YCL Media Release, 8 January 2008**

=Introduce subsidized, affordable, quality school uniforms!=

The continued monopolisation and ridiculous hiking of school uniform costs by leading manufacturing retail outlets outrages the Young Communist League.

It is YCL's fundamental belief that school uniforms should not be commodified and sold in the marketplace at the highest price, accessible only to those who are well and better off, particularly the middle class and the rich, and unaffordable to the working class and the poor. It is our contention that the commodification of school uniforms is a hindrance or a burden to the working class and the poor children's ability to access schooling as a result of the continued gap between the rich and the poor, and the high standard cost of living in the country.

We call on government particularly the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Education to intervene and urgently stop the continued ripping off of the working class and the poor by these capitalist and greedy manufacturing retail outlets; and introduce a standard subsidized, affordable and quality school uniforms through State owned and funded co – operatives.

As the YCL, we will engage our allies in the Education Alliance, COSAS, SADTU, ANC YL and other progressive civic formations, to join us in deepening the struggle for a standard subsidized, affordable and quality school uniforms for all, as part of the Joe Slovo Right to Learn Campaign.


 * Issued by Young Communist League**


 * For more information contact Castro Ngobese,** **National Spokesperson**

By e-mail

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