By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Competition Commission has called on schools to follow uniform guidelines in a bid to curb the exorbitant prices of mandatory school uniforms.
In 2021, the commission reached an agreement that schools abandon exclusivity deals with suppliers.
But, it seems not all schools have implemented this.
The commission’s spokesperson, Siyabulela Makunga highlighted the imbalance of power between schools and uniform suppliers, emphasising that the commission aims to address exclusive agreements that limit parental choices and contribute to high uniform costs.
“The responsibility now lies with school governing bodies as well as parents in holding schools accountable, ensuring that there is a competitive bidding, there are no longer exclusive agreements in terms of appointments of school uniform suppliers but also that the items are as generic as possible.”
In a report by the South African Human Rights Commission, dated October 2023, on baseline assessment and cap on uniform costs stated that the Department of Basic Education must conduct a baseline assessment to determine a cap on the costs of any basic school uniform, taking into consideration the country’s socio-economic circumstances.
“The NDBE should consider issuing binding directives to provide for this minimum framework.
“The assessment should also consider whether the prescribed regulation uniforms are conducive to the South African demographic and the best interests of the child. Factors to include in this assessment should involve an evaluation of whether school uniform materials and items are contributing to accessing basic education or if a compulsory standard uniform that caters to the physical and socio-economic needs of learners and their families is recommended based on current research.
“The NDBE should make it clear that expensive clothing, such as blazers, is not compulsory. The NDBE must amend the Uniform Guidelines to include the findings of this report and should consider binding directives instead of guidelines to prevent non-compliance.”
“These complaints can be lodged by filling out a form, a CC1 on the Competition Commission website.”
“Send an email on ccsa@compcom.co.za.” “Complainants can also send us a Whatsapp message on 084 7430000 they just need to ensure they provide us with the correct email address or contact details that we can use to contact them should we need additional information.”
The 2022 survey found that schools follow procurement processes where exclusivity clauses are removed and more competitive bidding practices are adopted.
A large number of schools have taken steps to adopt the national guidelines as part of the school’s governance.
“It is important that the guidelines and work of the Commission have compelled all stakeholders along the school uniform value chain to promote greater levels of competition in the market.”