Battle for affordable school uniforms is almost won

Competition Commission sets new guidelines to tackle anti-competitive practices

- SIYA MAKUNGA

THE notable rise of school uniforms and other learning goods and services is a societal problem that inevitably calls for societal action.

This is because we are compelled by the Constitution to guarantee education as a basic human right, one that must be accessed through equitable and affordable means.

During a parliamentary briefing by the South African Humans Rights Commission (SAHRC) on a report of its investigation and inquiry into school uniforms, the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education, Bongiwe Mbingo-Gigaba, argued that "South Africa has high levels of inequality. School uniforms equalise the levels of all learners on the school ground."

As a parent myself, I am acutely aware of the costs that come around in the new year for stationery and new school uniform items.

Due to increased media reporting, the rising cost of living, and the Competition Commission's own advocacy efforts, parents across the country have become more vocal about the costs and specifically, aware of the risk that exclusive contracts pose in driving up costs and limiting other service providers from entering or expanding in the market for the supply of stationery or school uniforms.

In recent years, the Commission has found that this 'vertical restrictive practice' is not new and before our advocacy work and intervention it was relatively widespread.

Our aim then and now is not to prosecute schools for the contravention of Section Five of the Competition Act 89 of 1998 (as amended) but rather to change the conduct and ensure that we improve the state of competition in this market.