The Competition Commission is investigating South Africa’s school uniform monopolies, which force parents to pay thousands of Rands for new school kits even though similar items can usually be bought elsewhere at a fraction of the cost.
This comes after the report about the cost of uniforms increasing as a result of exclusive agreements between a single supplier and a number of schools.
According to Sipho Ngwema from the Competition Commission, they have received more than a dozen complaints since 2010.
“We have engaged in protracted advocacy processes with key stakeholders, including the various education departments, the governing body structures, principals and schools. We did this to assist schools to change their behaviour and to comply with the law.
“Our approach to enforcement is very dynamic. It encompasses extensive advocacy and collaborative efforts in order to encourage behavioural change.
We have to make sure that we move along together and help schools do the right thing. We expect the law to be obeyed and schools to stop this conduct
A school uniform store in Boksburg, Civic Outfitters and Sportswear, has provided a list of prices for school uniforms for children who go to Dawn Park Primary and Phineas Xulu Secondary School, in Vosloorus.
Here is the low-down on how much, approximately, parents are forking out for these uniforms:
- Girls and boys, Dawn Park Primary
Tunic with badges: R160
Jersey and pullover: R150
School bag: R150
Shirt with badge, long and short-sleeved: R100
Golf shirt with badge: R100
Dry mac: R180
Summer tracksuit with badge: R300
Winter tracksuit with badge: R350
Grey long trousers: R140 to R160
Tie: R25
Long and short socks: R40
Blazer: R500
- Girls and boys, Phineas Xulu Secondary School
Shirt with badge: R100
Skirt: R100 to R120
Grey long trousers: R140 to R160
Long socks: R35 per pair
Dry mac with badge: R230
Blazer: R700
Tie: R40
Jersey and pullover: R180
