PARENTS have been braving the intense heat, heavy rains and long queues to buy uniforms and supplies for their children, ahead of schools reopening next Wednesday.
Last week, the POST visited Gem Schoolwear in Juniper Road in Overport, which stocks locally-made uniforms for more than 200 primary and high schools.
Kevin Anniroot, an accountant from Malvern, said despite what many may think, he had not seen an increase in the price of schoolwear this year.
“We set a budget each year and put aside around R10 000 for school expenses, such as uniforms, stationery and fees. This year I don't feel like I’m paying more than last year. Stationery isn’t an issue as many supermarkets have great prices with exactly what my children need,” said Anniroot.
His daughter Kaitlyn, 14, will be in Grade 9 at Kharwastan Secondary, while his 7-year-old son, Klayton, will be in Grade 2 at Northdene Preparatory.
While shopping for her uniform, Kaitlyn said she was excited to return to school.
“I am excited to go back to school, especially to start studying my favourite subjects maths and natural science,” she said.
Their parents spent R1 350 on her three skirts and five shirts, while Klayton got his uniform from the school’s shop.
Reena Debba, a financial manager from Montclair, said the only issue she had this year was finding longer length skirts for her daughter.
“My daughter is tall, so it has become an issue to find skirts that are long in length but not big in size. Hopefully, the one we bought today will be fine,” said Debba.
She bought skirts and shirts which cost around R700.
Her daughter Azra, 14, will be in Grade 10 at Kharwastan Secondary School.
“I am happy to go back to school, especially since I got to choose my subjects. I know I am going to love studying history,” said Azra.
She said she loved school shopping, especially for new stationery, which her parents bought at A5 Cash and Carry. They spent less than R500.
Sisters Neriah, 14, and Ezriella Dhawcharn, 7, were with their parents and grandmother shopping for new uniforms.
“Our uniforms generally last the whole year but we sometimes have to restock certain items, like shirts or shoes,” said Neriah, of Durban North.
Neriah, who is in Grade 9, attends Northlands Girls' High School, while Ezriella, in Grade 3, attends Toc Educare Academy.
Mom, Ronel Dhawcharn, bought her girls 2 blazers, 2 shirts, 5 golfers, 2 skirts and shoes.
“The cost for both of them came out to R2 600. We budget every year for school necessities. Last year, we spent R10 000 for everything,” said Dhawcharn.
She added that they shopped for stationery at Waltons.
"That was where I saw an increase in expenses. It was slightly more expensive this year."
The family spent R3 800 on stationery, which included bags, pencil cases and books.
At Waltons at the Crescent Mall in Umhlanga, the POST met with other families shopping.
Trisha Roopchand, 10, in Grade 5 at Crawford La Lucia, was with her mom, Pretima.
“I like shopping for stationery. It is fun but my mom always likes to pick childish stuff for me but they always let me get what I want,” said Trisha.
Roopchand, a housewife from Verulam, said the price of stationery did not vary much from last year.
“Some things are slightly more expensive this year but it won’t break the bank. I will be a few hundred more than last year. The school provides us with a stationery list, so we don't need to buy anything extra throughout the year. That's good.”
Twins, Sonalia and Sonam Budhai, 11, were shopping with their parents and aunt. They said buying multiple different colour pens and pencils was their favourite purchase.
“I love new pencils. I always collect many and keep them well throughout the year,” said Sonalia.
The sisters, from La Lucia, are in Grade 5 and attend Glenashley Preparatory.
Mom, Cynthia Budhai, a bookkeeper, said: "The price of stationery has risen by about 30%, which is especially difficult coming out of the festive season. However, we pay for quality, so we don't mind paying more."
Schools reopen on January 15, and the KZN Department of Education said they are ready for the pupils return.
KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education spokesperson Muzi Mahlambi, said: “We are getting ready for the schools reopening and are confident that everything that is humanly possible has been done to ensure the pupils can return, despite the weather conditions.”