Pretoria - Way too expensive - that was the reaction of some parents trying to buy last-minute items for their children before schools reopen.
Parents of first-time schoolgoers said despite saving their Christmas bonuses and money throughout last year, school items were hard on the pocket.
Annah Gololo, from Atteridgeville, said although she was excited that her little girl, Onalerona, was finally going to start primary school, getting the full uniform was very expensive. “Just one tunic costs R240 and you can’t just buy one or two as they won’t last the whole term.
“The shoes, socks, tunic and stationery will set me back R1 500 and I have not yet bought a jersey, tracksuit, wind-breaker or T-shirts for her,” she said.
Karabo Malebe, from Kwa-Mhlanga, shared the sentiments that getting children to school the first time was expensive. “If your child is already in school, you just have to top up what is missing and you are accustomed to how much this costs,” she said.
“When your child starts Grade 1, every little thing has to be bought for them. I am just glad I was disciplined enough to save my Christmas bonus for my daughter Bophelong,” said Malebe.
She said transport was the most problematic expense.
Betty Mthombeni, who stood in the line on behalf of her mother, said the re-registration fee required by schools every year was a problem.
“My brother has been at the same school for some time and every year my mother has to pay the R1 800 re-registration fee which is quite steep,” she said.
“Things don’t get better the higher the grade - if anything it is more expensive. We need a uniform and stationery at R2 500, R350 for transport per month and school fees at R700.” She said she sympathised with parents whose children are starting Grade 1 as things have become much more expensive.
Pretoria News