Parents need deep pockets for new school clothing

It is the biggest post-festive season expense for parents - new school uniforms.

As the Competition Commission investigates the high cost of uniforms, it is becoming clear that the problem is not only the monopolies enjoyed by suppliers.

The days of just a basic gymslip, shirt, pants and school tie are long gone, and many schools now expect parents to fork out big bucks for separate winter, summer and even sports wardrobes.

And children taking part in multiple sports activities often need different kit for each.

A parent at Durban's private co-ed Embury College was outraged when she learnt that the school would change its uniform next year.

This means parents with children between Grade 8 and Grade 12 will cough up R483 for a blazer, R197 for a jersey with the school badge, R202 for short-sleeve shirts for girls, R160 for skirts, R652 for a unisex tracksuit, from R268 for boys' chinos, and R185 for long-sleeve shirts.

The parent, who did not want to be named, said: "We have no choice about where we buy the clothes.

"I have two children and would need to buy at least four tracksuits for winter. To pay over R600 for a tracksuit that is not even a name brand is ridiculous."

No Choice But to Buy

This parent said she had to order the clothing from Professional Sourcing and Procurement Assist, a school-wear service provider.

Mava Scott, spokesman for the Competition Commission, said there was concern at an "emerging trend of exclusive agreements" between some schools and manufacturers. He said the commission had been inundated with complaints from parents.

"Parents have come to us saying it was not limited to uniforms but also related to stationery," Scott said.

A parent with children at Westville Girls' High and Westville Boys' High in Durban said prices should be regulated.

"We have no choice but to buy the uniforms," this parent said.

"The prices are high and the quality is not so great. The colour has already faded in my daughter's navy-blue skirt, which was purchased this year.

"The tracksuits [costing R300] are ridiculously priced, yet the children are not allowed to use them all the time."

Mix and Match

Crawford College's Gauteng stockist McCullagh & Bothwell, based in Fourways, Joburg, charges between R3100 and R3700 for a basic set of boys and girls uniforms for Grade 8 to Grade 12.

The company supplies more than 100 private and public schools across the country, including Diocesan School for Girls in Grahamstown, Hilton College, Hyde Park High, Roedean, Rosebank Convent, St John's College, Kyalami Preparatory, Dainfern College and Sacred Heart College.

Crawford College said it offered pupils from pre-primary to high school the option of "mix and match" casual outfits called "multiforms".

Parents of girls and boys entering Grade 8 at one of Crawford's Joburg schools will fork out between R3185 and R3700 for basic kit, including golf shirts, mackintosh jackets, blazers, ties, denims and cardigans. The college's Durban supplier, Eduform, charges about R3000 for basic everyday wear.

"Students can mix and match the casual wear, allowing for freedom of expression within acceptable boundaries," said Marthie van der Wat, a spokeswoman for the company that owns the schools.

"The uniform suppliers are appointed on contract, which is subject to review based on pricing, quality and service."

Crawford held no interest, "direct or indirect", in any uniform supplier.

Van der Wat said every school in the group had a second-hand shop on the premises where parents could buy clothes for their children.

Special Attire

At Michaelhouse in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, one of the country's most expensive boarding schools, parents of a pupil starting Grade 8 would spend anything up to R11500.

For everyday schooling a new boy would require five pairs of khaki shorts, six red or navy school shirts, a pair of Greencross sandals, a belt, two navy long-sleeve jerseys, one short-sleeve jersey, an anorak and chinos, for a total of R3720.

In addition, boys have to wear specific attire on the first and last day of term, to chapel and when they leave the school grounds, which costs another R2295.

These costs exclude sports kit to be worn after school, while other expenses include R485 for a tracksuit, R525 for seven white T-shirts, R195 for a house vest, R345 for a winter tracksuit top, R270 for a hoodie and R275 for a rugby jersey.

Murray Witherspoon, director of marketing at Michaelhouse, said: "The once-off initial cost of purchasing all school uniform requirements ranges between R8000 and R11500 with the option to purchase great quality used gear.

"The majority of items available will offer two alternatives: one priced on parity, or less than, department or chain stores, and a higher-end [option]."

Affordable Kit

Morris Isaacson High in Soweto has contracted a township supplier to provide its pupils with affordable kit. A full girl's uniform set costs about R950 and the set for boys costs R600.

Felix Mshololo, principal of Menzi High School in Umlazi, said a girl's uniform comprising a tunic, shirt, socks and shoes cost about R600 at its supplier, while a boy's uniform cost about R500. Blazers, for about R170, were optional.

At Westerford High Shool in Rondebosch, Cape Town, a girl's uniform from the school's supplier, School and Leisure, costs R937 - blazer, dress, maroon cardigan and socks. For boys it is R1005 for a blazer, golf shirt, camel shorts, maroon jersey and camel socks.

At Westville Girls' High a complete uniform - skirt, shirt, jersey, blazer, scarf, socks and shoes - ranges in price from R869 to R1004.

The deputy principal of the school, Anastasia Rathan, said the school strove to make sure that uniforms were affordable.

David Walker, owner of McCullagh & Bothwell, said he tried to tailor quality and price to the needs of each school.

"I have high-fee schools, whose uniforms will not be the same as township schools, which I also do," he said.

"I try to persuade schools to be quality-price appropriate ... There are schools where people can afford the Rolls-Royce and [others] where people cannot afford the school fees."

govendersu@sundaytimes.co.za, pillayt@sundaytimes.co.za