A SCHOOL bag that doubles as a desk sounds clever on paper until you realise what it means for the many Eastern Cape learners expected to carry them.
What was meant to be an innovative idea has become an example of how a poorly thought-out policy can do more harm than good.
The government insists that the foldable desks, which double as school bags, are a practical solution for the ongoing furniture shortages, but practicality does not outweigh the risks.
The bags are too heavy for small children to carry long distances, especially on rural roads. Add textbooks, stationery, lunch and water and the 2kg weight only increases. The strain on their tiny bodies could lead to long-term health issues, including back and joint problems.
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Daily News (Digital) - 1 Issue, 2025-03-04