Durban families balance school excitement with rising education costs

UNIFORMS AND STATIONERY

- MONISHKA GOVENDER [e-mail]

FAMILIES across Durban are navigating the financial challenges of back-toschool season, with some spending up to R15 000 on uniforms and stationery.

Despite rising costs, pupils from various schools share their enthusiasm for the new academic year and their aspirations for the future.

Schools across the province will open on Wednesday for the 2026 academic year.

For Jayde Moodley, 12, of Tongaat, who will be in Grade 7 at Umhlali Preparatory, the new school year is filled with anticipation.

“Tam excited to go back to school, to see my friends and to learn new things. My favourite subjects are maths and natural science. I hope to be an engineer one day,” said Jayde.

His father, Jeeva Moodley, said stationery was essential, but acknowledged the financial pressure many parents experienced.

“T understand both sides of the coin when it comes to stationery and costs.

“Stationery is important for the classroom, but as a parent the cost of living and finances make it difficult to purchase,” he said.

Moodley said while they were “financially stable”, they managed the back-to-school costs by buying items over time.

In Silverglen, Gabriella Royan, 12, who will be in Grade 7 at Eden College, is enjoying her final year of primary school.