New uniform, new confidence

Eight-year-old Kagiso Vos started school on Tuesday in a brand-new uniform, a milestone that has lifted the spirits of his mother, Kedibone Vos, and given him newfound confidence. Until now, he had been attending school in a hand-me-down from his cousin.

“We didn’t have income. I am grateful. I am going to see my son handsome and shiny son,” said Vos, 42, whose son is in Grade 3.

“This is big for me. I did not have formal education, but my son is studying. I was stressed before because the R560 we get for the children every month is too little to maintain him. I also get R370 for myself, but life is hard. I have tried looking for a job, but I haven’t been lucky yet.”

The uniform was provided by the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa), part of a programme aimed at giving children from disadvantaged backgrounds a chance to attend school with dignity.

Acting regional executive manager for Sassa North West, Mildred Sono, stressed that parents also share responsibility in caring for their children.

“We gave you brand-new uniforms. Please take care of these children. We are giving you R560 every month for the children and R370 for adults. With that money, there is no way you cannot buy washing powder at home. Children cannot come to school dirty. We want our children to have a bright future. We are raising these children together,” she said.

Vos attends school at Phakisang Primary School, which has 513 pupils from Grade R to Grade 7; 500 children in this school receive social grants.

Sono said budget limitations meant that only 102 children could be prioritised for uniforms immediately.

“If you have a school where most children receive social grants, it tells you by default the whole school qualifies for assistance,” Sono said. 

Deputy principal Bontle Makwele said the donation was a relief for both staff and pupils.

“The community is poor, and many children come to school in home clothes. We leave them like that because we cannot send them home. Some teachers volunteer to buy uniforms, but now, at least, Sassa has remembered us. Our children can come to school happy and proud, with shoes and proper uniforms.”

 Ward councillor Mogomotsi Senokwane highlighted the broader socioeconomic challenges facing the village. “The majority of the community are unemployed. We face service delivery challenges, poverty, and even water shortages. Initiatives like this help children focus on learning instead of worrying about basic needs,” he said.

 For Vos, the uniform represents more than clothing; it is a symbol of hope and opportunity. “I am grateful that my son can now go to school with confidence. My wish is for him to become a doctor. With this uniform, he can focus on his books and not feel different from the other children,” she said.

 She said in a community where opportunities were scarce and many families struggled to make ends meet, a simple uniform could transform a child’s day and, perhaps, one day, their future.