As the 2026 academic year starts on Wednesday, the African Transformation Movement (ATM) has called for a radical change in how school uniforms are provided, urging the introduction of a ward-based cooperative model to tackle unemployment and poverty.
ATM national spokesperson Zama Ntshona said the initiative would leverage the country’s 13 million students in need of uniforms annually to stimulate local economies.
“The ATM emphasises that education is a fundamental right, and affordability in schooling must be prioritised.
”By promoting generic uniform designs and allowing multiple suppliers, we can empower parents to make informed choices that do not compromise their financial stability,” Ntshona said.
Ntshona said the current high costs associated with branded uniforms disproportionately affect families, especially those from marginalised backgrounds.
He said that the proposal aims to dismantle the oligopolistic structures that benefit only a few suppliers, instead enabling local cooperatives to produce and supply uniforms.
”By facilitating local cooperatives to supply uniforms, we can stimulate economic activity in our communities, creating jobs and fostering self-sufficiency.”
Ntshona said a similar approach could be applied to the School Nutrition Program, which would allow communities to benefit economically while ensuring essential services are delivered to children.
Ntshonsa said this strategy will not only provide essential services but also ensure that economic benefits circulate within communities, alleviating poverty and reducing unemployment in a country where youth unemployment stands at 58.5%.
“In a challenging economic environment characterised by high unemployment and inflation, the ATM stands firm in advocating for policies that support local sourcing and procurement from community-based businesses,” he said.
Ntshona also called for strict oversight of the school uniform market. While acknowledging the Competition Commission’s role in regulating the sector, he said ongoing monitoring is crucial.
“A newly developed monitoring tool in collaboration with the Department of Basic Education must be effectively implemented to uphold compliance and combat anti-competitive practices,” he said.
The party is also calling for a zero-tolerance approach toward companies and schools that engage in unfair pricing or restrictive practices.
Ntshona said parents should have the right to report violations, and decisive action must be taken to ensure equitable access to education for all children.
“The vision of the ATM is a more equitable education system that prioritises affordability, inclusivity, and adherence to South African laws.
”Together, we can ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive in an educational environment that respects their dignity and promotes economic participation,” Ntshona said.
Politics
