Pretoria - Debate on the plan to add the national flag to school uniforms next year raged on social media platforms on Thursday.
Some users supported the idea initiated by Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi, calling it a true call to patriotism.
But others criticised it, calling it a “sad replacement” of the values which could improve the state of education in the country.
“Put your flags where you want, but it will not change anything, the whole education/schooling system is in dire straits,” Facebook user Juliana Szatmary said.
Abby Koopedi said education should come first.
“After attaching those flags I'm sure they will return to class where they will either have no teacher or textbooks,” he said.
Explaining the decision to add the flag to uniforms across the country by the start of the 2017 schooling year, Lesufi on Wednesday told Twitter users that patriotism was not to be compromised.
Amid the social media storm after he made his plans known via Twitter, the MEC said: “The flag is a national symbol... all young people have to become intimate with it.”
His spokesman Oupa Bodibe said no one would be forced to wear the flag, but parents would be encouraged to phase it in as they bought new uniforms and replaced old items. No child would be turned away for not having the flag, he said.
The schoolchildren themselves would be roped in to sew the flag on to the uniforms, Lesufi told a blogger asking about the awarding of a tender for the project.
But those in opposition continued on to punch holes in his plans.
“This is a desperate move. The Constitution should be taught at school but forcing everyone to add the flag to their uniform... pretty desperate,” said @GrahamGersback.
Ali Mhlongo questioned the relevance of the flag on uniforms to producing good results.
Wabenda Tshilenga’s contribution to the debate was stressing the need for quality education.
“If our education system becomes the best, parents will even send their kids to school naked,” he wrote.
The MEC’s office confirmed that school governing bodies and uniform manufacturers across the province would be engaged in discussions on the addition of the flag.
The Pretoria News asked for opinions on its Facebook page in a post which reached more than 18 000 people.
Here are some responses:
Tshwanelo Mmutlana says it is “wishful thinking” and there are bigger problems in education.
Bianca R Vieira: Not if it is going to result in parents having to spend extra on school uniforms. I don't see how adding a flag to a piece of clothing is going to help students learn better .
Her view was shared by Ali Mhlongo who says uniforms do not improve results.
Humbelani Sitsula Tshiswaise says the schools are located inside the country, “not like a soccer team or other teams where you will be representing your country”.
Tebogo Modiselle says “all we want is an excellent pass rate with quality education”.
Angeline Schwan feels schools have their own identities, and already have the SA flag flying.
Daphney Molewa says it is fine if the government pays for that school uniform and the school fees.
Gertrude Rossouw says it would be better to provide decent breakfasts or meals for hungry children during their school day.
Jonine Riekert says it will not help children who cannot read or write, who do not have books to learn from or who do not even have schools.
There is also support for the idea. Yusuf Abramjee agrees while Ntsako Isaiah Risenga believes “it will definitely foster a sense of patriotism among young children of all backgrounds. Rich or poor, we are all South Africans”.
Gilbert Magil Maphutha says it is a great idea and Zukisani Mbuli likes the idea but wants all schools to have the same quality of education.
Pretoria News