Parents dig deep as back-to-school looms
PARENTS are forking out thousands of rand on school uniforms, but they are prepared to make the sacrifice.
Cindy Naicker spent about R3 000 at Gem Schoolwear in Juniper Road in Overport, which stocks locally made uniforms for more than 200 primary and high schools.
She bought uniforms, a blazer, socks and swimwear for her daughters, Kiana, 13, a Grade 8 pupil at Durban Girls High, and Siyari, 10, a Grade 6 pupil at Parkside Primary School.
The mother of three also spent R2 000 elsewhere for uniforms and stationery for her younger daughter, who is preparing to start Grade R.
“I started saving for the uniforms in October because they are quite expensive,” said Naicker.
“Between both girls, I bought skirts, shirts, jerseys, socks as well as a tie and blazer for Kiana. I will still have to buy school shoes, which cost about R300 a pair.”
Naicker added that stationery for all her daughters cost almost R4 000.
“It is a lot, but it is an investment in my children’s future.”
Leshana Pillay, 13, will start high school at Kharwastan Secondary in Chatsworth.
The Grade 8 pupil could not hide her excitement as she tried on a blazer.
Her mother, Nivashini, purchased the blazer, three shirts and skirts, five pairs of socks and physical education sportswear for almost R2 000.
She still needed shoes, which would be bought at Froggies, for about R600.
“I cannot fuss about the price as everything is going up, and this is also my daughter’s first year in high school. She should not lack anything,” said Pillay.
She added that stationery cost an additional R1 500.
Another parent, who declined to be named, spent R1 500 on
uniforms for her 7-year-old son. He will start Grade 2 at Mount Edgecombe Private School.
“I bought two shirts and shorts, three T-shirts, a tracksuit, shoes and a bag. The stationery came to R1 000. While the costs are high, there is not much difference in price from last year.”
The child’s father said his son needed to be well equipped to receive the best education.
The store manager, Muhammed Patel, said the first two weeks in January were the busiest.
“We have about 1 000 families coming into the store at this time. No matter how busy we get, we pride ourselves on providing customers with the best service.”
He said they opened throughout the year.
“We are a one-stop-shop. You walk in and get exactly what you need.”
Gem Schoolwear will celebrate its 52nd anniversary in March.
Financial adviser and the managing director at Avinash Consultant and Actuaries, Sanjith Hanuman, said from primary and secondary school to higher education, parents found it difficult to meet the growing fee structure and other costs associated with education.
Hanuman added it was crucial that parents saved early for their children’s educational needs.
“If you started late, it could be tough to raise a large sum of money in a short span. It is, however, still better to start now rather than have nothing at all.
“If you take educational loans, compare the rates of interest charged and the terms and conditions. Prioritise each child’s saving. Don’t just save R500 for each child because you have three children. Look at which child will require the funds first for tertiary education.
“Put a little more towards this child’s saving since you have lost time to accumulate what is required.”
He added that parents should not fall for gimmick investment plans.
“Especially those which give you returns that are more than what the market is performing at. Normally, these are the plans that fail. Do your research around this.”