High cost of uniforms needs to be probed

I AM writing in response to the article “Promising start to uniform shopping” in the POST dated January 5-9.

Another schooling year is about to commence in earnest. It is worrying as parents are paying exorbitant amounts for uniforms.

In recent years, we have experienced the unfortunate effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on our education system and the adjustments learners have to make in order to stay abreast, along with the uncertainty and disruption it causes.

The opening of schools is a relief for most cash-strapped parents.

Parents, particularly those from disadvantaged communities, are facing financial constraints.

With the cost of living spiralling upwards, parents have the added burden of providing school uniforms that are highly priced.

Furthermore, many schools will insist that only a few limited school suppliers will provide uniforms. This is unjustified, considering the economic climate in which we are living.

School governing bodies, parents and school management should collaborate with suppliers in order to regulate the prices and make them affordable. I am amazed there has been no probe into the high price of school uniforms over the years. It has been a dilemma for parents.

This is a wake-up call for all governing bodies. They have a moral duty to ensure the matter is addressed.

I am in favour of uniforms as it is considered a form of discipline and it improves the overall school environment and academic achievements of learners.

Maybe it’s time for the Competition Commission and school governing bodies to take this further, which I know is a tall order.

An independent inquiry is needed which will provide parents with more options and cheaper school uniforms. This will benefit poor parents. As a matter of urgency, parents need to speak out.

DHAYALAN MOODLEY

Mobeni Heights