Now that schools have settled down into a structured daily routine after the frenetic back-to-school shopping rush, parents can breathe a collective sigh of relief that their children will be in a safe environment and in the nurturing hands of the staff for the first term. Every parent strives to give their children the best education possible in order to set them up for a successful career. A good education unlocks the doors to a better future by providing stability, better career opportunities, personal development and preparing pupils for life after school.
However, the rising cost of education, at primary, secondary and tertiary levels, in both public and private institutions, has shattered the dreams and aspirations of countless parents and pupils. The sharp increase in fees, which have always been above the inflation rate, has placed enormous pressure on parents to strike a balance between giving their children the best education possible and ensuring that other household expenses are met. In addition, economic challenges, such as high unemployment and slow economic growth, have made it difficult for parents to afford school fees.
For most parents who have children at school, the weeks prior to the start of the new academic year are the most frustrating. The financial pressures and back-toschool costs that come with the start of the school year place further burdens on their already depleted budgets. The cost of education in South Africa has risen dramatically over the past decade and has outpaced inflation.
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While wage increases have been below the inflation rate, the increase in education costs have been double, even triple that of inflation. Besides these increases in school fees, the cost of uniforms, sports equipment, stationery, transport and other costs such as for field trips and extra-mural activities, have also risen astronomically, both in public and private schools. The fact that they are categorised as “no-fee” schools is a contradiction. In addition, reduced state funding to sustain operational costs, such as staffing, electricity, water and infrastructure, means that education at these schools is definitely not free, as schools place additional pressure on parents to contribute towards meeting these expenses.
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