Parents across South Africa are reeling from the financial burden of school uniforms and supplies as the 2025 school year approaches.
With the academic year beginning on 15 January, families are scrambling to equip their children with everything from stationery and books to bags and uniforms. However, many are finding the costs unexpectedly high, causing significant financial strain.
According to TimesLIVE, Morongwa Moeng (34), whose child is starting Grade 1, said she was shocked by the expenses.
“The experience that comes with the excitement of buying a school uniform for your child and doing fittings is great, but the uniform and stationery are expensive. How do you explain buying a tunic for a child in Grade 1 for R450?” she asked.
Moeng said her initial budget of R2,500 was insufficient. She explained that stationery and books alone cost R1,975, and she had to spend more than expected on white school takkies.
Another parent, Boitumelo Taunyane, searched for bargains to keep costs manageable. Her son, who is entering Grade 11, needed new school shoes, but she opted for a cheaper pair instead of Toughees due to the steep prices.
Nokuthula Sibanyoni, a mother of two, shared similar frustrations. With one child in matric and the other in Grade 10, she spent R600 on a pair of pants and a jersey for one child and even more for the matriculant, who required a different uniform.
More parents have voiced their grievances about the rising expenses. The Citizen reported that many families are struggling to afford the growing list of school requirements.
Palesa Kibi, from Dlamini, Soweto, said budgeting for her two school-going children had been challenging.
“Although this is an exciting time, it has been stressful. Money has been the biggest challenge, but we managed to finish purchasing their uniforms, even though the prices are steep,” she said.
Kibi relied on sales to cut costs instead of purchasing from specific suppliers.
“Even my youngest child is starting daycare, and they also need stationery. I’ve just bought some items before next Wednesday. I’ve spent over R2,500 on the older one,” she added.
Juliet Mutaya, who shopped with her son and daughter, expressed a mix of excitement and preparedness.
“Our first daughter is going into high school. We planned ahead to make sure she has the best and good-quality uniforms and everything she needs,” she said.
Mutaya said she anticipated price increases and budgeted accordingly.
A report by Old Mutual highlighted the staggering cost of education in South Africa. Sending a child through public primary and secondary school costs an average of R651,313, while private schooling costs nearly R2 million per year.
In 2023, the South African Human Rights Commission recommended that the Department of Basic Education conduct a baseline assessment to cap uniform costs. Parents have also raised concerns about expanding stationery lists, which now include cleaning supplies, particularly in non-fee-paying schools.
Compiled by Matthew Petersen
First published by African Insider
Also see: Back to school, back to reality
