UASA Media Release: 10 January 2025
Statement by UASA spokesperson Abigail Moyo:
Back to school expenses remain a huge contributing factor of financial pressure to parents with extensive stationery lists, uniforms and essentials that are needed for learners at the beginning of each academic year.
The online outlash by parents on platforms like Facebook and X (Twitter), bear witness to the nightmare expense that school essentials have become, costing parents thousands of Rands over and above school fees. Although essentials vary per school and child’s needs, the challenge remains affordability considering the high unemployment rate and financial challenges faced by many.
UASA calls for the government and the relevant state departments to consider parents of learners in the public school system, and continue the relief assistance for schoolbooks, uniforms and study kits for disadvantaged learners.
UASA also urges parents to reflect on their financial situation and place their children in schools they can afford, close to home to limit transport and after school care costs.
Steps to limit expenses
Below are a few steps that parents can implement in their planning for back to school expenses:
- Draw a plan: Make a list of everything your child needs, and make sure to prioritize the necessities to cut down on wasteful spending.
- Compare costs: Compare prices at several school supply retailers and take advantage of sales, discounts, loyalty plans, and incentives.
- Check out second-hand stores and internet resources: Look for sporting equipment, books, and uniforms that are still in good condition. Sell or exchange your child’s school uniforms and other essentials if they are no longer needed and use that extra money to purchase new essentials.
- Save for emergencies: To prevent depleting your monthly budget, set aside a little amount of extra cash for unforeseen school expenses.
UASA encourages parents to take back-to-school expenses seriously and not leave them to the last moment. Planning and taking action ahead of time will go a long way towards coping with inflation and the increasing cost of living.
For further enquiries or to set up a personal interview, contact Abigail Moyo at 065 170 0162.