Affordable school uniforms and job creation possible through local cooperatives

AS THE 2026 academic year starts today, 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.

- HOPE NTANZI

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.