Back to school costs soar
The average price of a school uniform and school shoes for two children, a boy and a girl, is estimated at R1 900.
PARENTS had to dig deep into their pockets to pay for school uniforms in preparation for the new school year.
According to Muhsin Patel, a manager at Gem Schoolwear in Overport, Durban, there had been a five per cent increase on school uniforms at their store, and at others.
The average price of a school uniform and school shoes for two children, a boy and a girl, is estimated at R1 900.
School dresses cost R150, boys’ shorts – R60, boys’ shirts – R60, school jerseys – R145, tracksuits – R300, girls’ white socks – R16, boys’ grey or black socks – R19, boys’ long grey/black socks – R22 and school shoes from R190 to R275 a pair.
Stationery, electronic equipment, transport and school fees also take a huge chuck out of the parents’ school budget at the beginning of each year.
The average cost for stationery for a Grade 8 pupil is R1800 which excludes work books. The average cost of stationery inclusive of work books is R2250.
Besides these costs, parents also have to fork out money for lunches and some for after care every month.
Martie Janse van Rensburg, from Ashley in Pinetown said she paid R900 for two sets of school uniform for her daughter who is in Grade 9 at Gelofte School this year. The stationery cost was R600.
“The total cost for a child to attend school varies from as little as R300 to more than R15 000 a year. As parents, we aim to provide the best we can for our children and hope that it’s appreciated and that in turn they strive to do their best in school,” said Janse Van Rensburg.
