As the boys and girls of Hoërskool Noorderland, we are calling for an urgent review of the current hair policies at our school. Right now, all learners, whether male or female, are facing strict and outdated regulations regarding the length, style, and natural state of our hair.

​We are being told that these rules are in place because learners use their hair to hide substances like dagga. However, these are completely baseless accusations that target us all. We have never been presented with evidence of this actually happening on our campus, and no one has been caught doing this. It is deeply unfair to subject the entire student body—both boys and girls—to collective punishment and assume guilt without any facts. According to the South African Schools Act, searches require a "fair and reasonable suspicion" against an individual, not a blanket assumption against everyone.

​Furthermore, the length or natural style of our hair—whether it is a fade, braids, an afro, or simply worn long—has absolutely zero impact on our ability to learn, focus, or complete our schoolwork. The South African Human Rights Commission has clearly stated that over-regulating learners' hair infringes on our basic human dignity and right to self-expression, and this applies to both boys and girls.

​We urge the Principal and the School Governing Body (SGB) of Hoërskool Noorderland to immediately review and update the Code of Conduct. The rules must align with the South African Constitution so that we can focus on our education without being unfairly policed and accused. Please sign this petition to support our rights to fairness, dignity, and a just environment at our school