Back to school worries

EXPENSES: EXCITING TIME TURNS INTO STRESS FOR CASH-STRAPPED PARENTS

- Thando Nondywana

As parents gear up for the start of the 2025 schooling year, many are grappling with the rising cost of education.

Cash-strapped parents, who began shopping a week before schools reopen on Wednesday, said that while this was an exciting time, they were already stressed about the expenses involved in the new school year, which include stationery and uniform purchases.

Palesa Kibi from Dlamini, Soweto, said she had difficulty stretching her budget to accommodate both her children who are starting school this year.

"Although this is an exciting time, it has been stressful. Money has been the biggest challenge, but we managed to finish purchasing their uniforms, even though the prices are steep.

"The one going to Grade R is turning five, but because he has a bigger body, it was difficult to find the right sizes. We had to buy from the older boys' section, which is more expensive than items for his age group," she said.