As the new school year gets underway, some parents are unhappy about the items on the school stationery lists that they need to buy. Among the items that have raised questions and angered some parents and guardians are cleaning products such as pine gel, detergents and dishwashing liquid.
On top of this, it’s said that schools are also asking for specific brands of stationery, which parents and guardians say are too expensive.
Jack Mahlangu is one of the angry parents. “At school they expect people to buy their preferred brands. In actual fact, the community is suffering because of brands. People are expected to buy expensive things and it’s January. How is it fair that you have to pay for free education? Considering some of the things we are expected to buy. I feel like people are taken for granted.”
The secretary of the National Association of School Governing Bodies, Matakanye Matakanye, says no-fee schools have no right to demand stationery from parents as it is provided by the Department.
“The Department of Education knows that you’re not working. Therefore, everything is free of charge and that’s that. Now, the school governing body has got only the right to raise funds and there is no fund that should be raised from the parents. Everything is done by the Department of Education. They will give the School Governing Body (SGB) money and the SGB will go and buy anything that is needed by the school. So, stop those extortionists to come and extort money from you. Don’t allow them.”
Meanwhile, the Gauteng Education Department says it is aware of the complaints from parents. However, it has advised parents to request a meeting with school governing bodies and other relevant stakeholders if they feel they cannot afford to buy what is listed on the stationery list.
Spokesperson Steve Mabona says, “The SGB has the responsibility to manage what’s happening with their students. So anything that they don’t want, they should be in a position to say we don’t agree with that.”
