As the new school year draws near, many South African parents are grappling with the rising costs of school stationery and uniforms, with expenses ranging from hundreds to thousands of rands. The financial burden is particularly heavy for families with multiple children, where the list of required items seems endless. For example, the stationery list for a Grade 6 learner includes a variety of books—ranging from hardcover to soft cover—along with pencils, crayons, a scientific calculator, a mathematics set, exam pads, dictionaries, and more.
In addition to these essential supplies, parents must also provide uniforms, including shirts, pants, socks, shoes, belts, jerseys, and blazers, as well as sportswear. A scientific calculator can cost around R200, while a school blazer may range from R1,000 to R1,500. Stationery items such as pencils, which are priced at R30 for a pack of three, and hardcover books costing around R26 each, quickly add up. School socks typically cost R60 for a pack of three, while a grey jersey is priced between R160 and R200.
The financial strain is felt most acutely by those who are already struggling with unemployment or low-paying jobs. One Cape Town mother of five shared her distress, saying, “Education is the key to success, but what do you do when you can’t afford the stuff? I must buy for five kids, from Grade 3 to Grade 9, and I am unemployed. The most expensive items are the books and stationery, and even the uniform is costly. School shoes alone are almost R500 a pair.” Another mother, whose Grade 12 learner also faces the same challenge, added that the rising costs of stationery, school fees, uniforms, and shoes have become an overwhelming burden. “I turned to an organisation for help. All those things have gotten more and more expensive over the years. Now, with my grandchild in Grade 4, I have more needs to meet,” she said.
The need for assistance is vast, according to Anwar Jakoet of the Anwar Jakoet Foundation (AJF), which focuses on supporting communities across the Western Cape. Jakoet highlighted the particular challenges faced by families in rural areas and among farm workers, where income is seasonal and resources are scarce. His foundation has been working to assist Early Childhood Development (ECD) learners by providing “starter boxes” containing essential educational items like pencil crayons, motor skill toys, puzzles, and soft toys—necessary but expensive materials for young children. Jakoet advised parents to shop around for affordable options rather than relying solely on large retail stores.
In response to the financial strain many families face, Vanessa Nelson, founder of Hope for the Future, has launched her annual “Back to School—Adopt a Child” initiative. She emphasized that women, particularly those in long-term relationships or single-parent households, are often the ones most affected by the financial burden of back-to-school expenses. “The same women who struggle to put food on the table are the ones who find it hardest during Christmas or in January. With unemployment rates high, the cost of uniforms and stationery for even one child can be overwhelming,” Nelson said. She aims to support 1,000 children in areas such as Heideveld, Bonteheuwel, Blikkiesdorp, and Gugulethu, and encouraged members of the public to contribute by “paying it forward” to help those in need.
Retailers are also stepping in to ease the financial burden. The Spar Group has partnered with Bata Shoes for a special promotion, offering unisex school shoes for just R70 when customers spend R350 or more and swipe their SPAR Rewards card before February 23. Additionally, Spar is encouraging those who don’t need shoes for their own children to purchase them for those less fortunate. Meanwhile, Shoprite and Checkers have extended their annual back-to-school promotion until February 2, offering up to 40% off on a range of school essentials, including hardcover books, paper, glue sticks, and plastic book covering.
For those seeking additional assistance, the Anwar Jakoet Foundation can be reached at www.theanwarjakoetfoundation.com, while Hope for the Future’s Vanessa Nelson can be contacted directly at 076 073 6777. In a time of increasing financial strain, initiatives like these offer a ray of hope for families facing the challenge of providing an education for their children.
