The school uniform stampede begins
IT IS that time of year again, when children have to say goodbye to their summer holidays and return to school, which re-opens on January 17 in KwaZuluNatal.
Since December, store employees have been filling up their shelves with school shirts, skirts, pants and shoes and now that the festive season draws to an end, parents are rushing out to purchase uniforms, stationery and everything in between.
Gem Schoolwear in Juniper Road, Overport, which stocks supplies for over 4 000 schools, was abuzz when visited last week.
Parents and their children, who range from grades R to 12, tried on uniforms, blazers and even socks to ensure they were the right fit.
Reuben Naidoo, a father of two, spent almost R3 000 on uniforms, sports gear and school shoes for his daughter, Kiara, 15, a Grade 10 pupil at Maris Stella, and son Kaydon, nine, a Grade 4 pupil at Eden College in Glenwood.
“Uniforms are quite expensive and with children growing so quickly, they tend to need new ones every year,” said Naidoo.
“I bought Kaydon seven golfers, five pairs of pants, socks and new shoes, while Kiara needed dresses, a jersey and a blazer.”
He added that stationery also came at a high price. “I spent close to R4 000 on both of them, but I believe it is an investment in my children’s future.”
Kiara said she was excited to return to school, catch up with her friends and begin her new journey doing her favourite subjects, physical science, life science and art.
Kaydon, an advanced maths pupil who has competed overseas, added: “I am super excited and cannot wait to be back at school and participate in more maths competitions this year.”
First time school-goer Isabella Kannah, four, who will be attending Grade R at the TOC Learning Academy in Phoenix, was all smiles as her mom, Dimple, kitted her with a tracksuit.
Dimple said she was excited because her baby would be going to school and the price of the uniform did not matter.
She bought three uniforms, three golfers, seven pairs of socks, a jersey and a tracksuit, which cost close to R1 000.
“I cannot really fuss about price as everything is going up and being my child’s first year in school, I want to make it a memorable one. She should not lack anything,” said the mom, who already invested about R2 000 on stationery.
Sairee Pillay, six, a Grade 1 pupil at Mount Edgecombe Private School, could not contain her excitement as her aunt, Cindy Marimuthu, helped her try on her shirt, emblazoned with a school monogram, and a black skirt.
Marimuthu and her husband, Rajen, are Sairee’s primary caregivers.
“We never even looked at the price and just told the sales ladies what was needed from the school list we were given,” said Rajen.
They bought Sairee three shirts, three skirts, a swimming costume, socks and a jersey, spending almost R1 000.
“We know uniforms are expensive but believe it is important to provide the best for our children if you can afford to do so.
“She is also attending a private school, but it’s worth the added costs because of the facilities provided and her results at the end of the year.”
Rajen added that they had not spent a lot on stationery and had not purchased new school shoes.
“We never bought much stationery this year as she had a lot carried over from last year and her shoes were still in great condition. But if she outgrows them within the year, we will buy new ones.”
Ottawa parents Mr and Mrs Seusunker said they had budgeted from November for their eight-year-old son, Tasveer, who will be in Grade 3 at Mount Edgecombe Private School.
“Uniform and stationery prices are quite high but there isn’t much difference from last year,” said Mrs Seusunker.
They spent about R1 500 on two shirts, three T-shirts, two pairs of shorts, a tracksuit, school shoes and a school bag.
They also spent over R1 000 on stationery, but bought extra. “We always buy extra stationery, which can be used later in the year if it runs out or it can be carried over into the new year. Our children need to be well-equipped to receive the best education,” said Tasveer’s mother.
Gem Schoolwear will celebrate its 50th anniversary in March.
Owner Ahmed Pandor said they were popular as they offered quality products and service.
“No matter how busy we get, we will always provide our customers with the best service. We are a one-stop shop. You walk in and get exactly what you need.”
Pandor added that when they opened their doors, their motto was to provide parents with exactly what they needed.
“And we have made sure to stick to that. A satisfied customer is a returning customer.”