According to a private survey conducted by 1Life Insurance, most parents in South Africa experience financial strain during the back-to-school period. But for many Eastern Cape families, the challenge is not just budgeting — it is survival in the face of rising food, transport, and education costs.
This explainer looks at where parents struggle most, what help is available, and practical ways to reduce school costs in 2026.
Where Parents Spend the Most Money
Based on feedback from schools, parents, and education officials in the Eastern Cape, the biggest cost pressures remain:
- School uniforms (including shoes and tracksuits)
- School fees at fee-paying public schools
- Stationery, especially for multiple learners in one household
- Transport costs for learners travelling long distances
- Food costs, especially where school nutrition programmes are inconsistent
Many parents report that even at no-fee schools, costs such as uniforms and transport still create financial stress.
“My child attends a no-fee school, but I still need money for uniform, shoes and taxi fare. January is always the hardest month,” said a parent from rural Bizana.
School Fees: What Parents Need to Know
1. No-fee schools
Most public schools in poorer communities fall under Quintile 1–3, meaning:
- No school fees may be charged
- Parents cannot be forced to pay fees or fundraising contributions
If a school claims to be no-fee but still demands money, parents can:
- Request the school’s quintile classification
- Contact the district education office
- Escalate the matter to the provincial Department of Education
2. Fee exemptions at fee-paying schools
Parents who cannot afford school fees may apply for:
- Full exemption
- Partial exemption
- Conditional exemption
Schools are legally required to provide exemption forms on request.
How Parents Can Cut Back-to-School Costs in 2026
Parents across the province are using practical strategies to survive the school year:
Reuse and repair uniforms
- Older siblings’ uniforms can be altered
- Shoes can be repaired instead of replaced
- Some schools allow generic uniforms bought at cheaper retailers
Compare stationery prices
- Avoid buying full “school packs” without checking prices
- Buy only what teachers confirm is necessary
- Team up with other parents to buy in bulk
Spread costs across the year
- Buy items gradually instead of all in January
- Keep unused stationery from the previous year
Ask schools for flexibility
- Some schools allow payment arrangements
- Others offer second-hand uniform exchanges
What Support Is Available for Struggling Parents?
School Nutrition Programme
Many learners rely on the National School Nutrition Programme for daily meals. Parents should confirm:
- When feeding officially starts
- Which days meals are provided
Community and NGO support
- Churches and community groups often run uniform and stationery drives
- Local councillors may know of short-term assistance programmes
Child Support Grant context
The South African Social Security Agency Child Support Grant remains a key lifeline for many households. However, parents say it is often stretched to cover:
- Food
- Electricity
- Transport
- School-related expenses
This makes careful planning and cost-cutting essential during the school year.
Why This Pressure Persists
Education experts say the back-to-school burden continues because:
- Household incomes remain under pressure
- Living costs rise faster than grants and wages
- Rural families face higher transport and access costs
While private surveys show some parents improving their budgeting, many Eastern Cape families still struggle to meet even basic school-related expenses.
What Parents Can Do Next
- Confirm whether your child’s school is no-fee
- Apply for fee exemption if needed
- Speak to teachers before buying expensive stationery
- Ask community leaders about local support programmes
- Plan school expenses early where possible
Pondoland Times will continue publishing practical education explainers to help parents navigate the school year.
