As household expenses continue to climb, many families are taking a closer look at school stationery lists and questioning whether they truly reflect what learners need in the classroom. While parents agree that core stationery items are necessary, concerns are growing that some requirements are unnecessary, seldom used or could reasonably be provided by schools. There is also rising concern that the cost of these lists places added pressure on low-income households, widening the gap between families and making it harder for some learners to start the school year on equal footing.

The Ladysmith Gazette spoke to local residents to find out whether they believe current stationery demands are reasonable, or if changes are needed to reduce the financial strain on parents.

Parents have been increasingly vocal about the rising costs associated with sending their children to school, with many expressing frustration over the expensive school fees and additional expenses for required stationery lists. These lists often include items like pens, notebooks and markers, but parents argue that it’s unreasonable for them to also be expected to supply basic necessities like toilet paper, cleaning supplies or hand sanitizers – things that are essential to the operation of the school. Many feel that such items should be covered by the school, especially considering the already hefty tuition fees. The burden of these extra costs is only exacerbating the financial strain many families are facing, and some parents are calling for a re-evaluation of what should rightfully fall under their responsibility versus the school’s.

In my view, the quantity of items requested on school stationery lists is excessive and often unnecessary. For example, requesting 28 HB pencils and eight 45g printer packs for a Grade 3 learner seems unreasonable. In addition, schools frequently specify particular brands, many of which are costly and place an added financial burden on parents. At the very least, schools should be able to provide essential items such as notebooks and toilet paper. Furthermore, the cost of Rotatrim paper, which can amount to approximately R350, is particularly concerning. When we were in school, learning materials and textbooks were provided at no cost; today, parents are expected to cover these expenses, which significantly increases the financial strain on families.

It’s time to take a hard look at those stationery lists by the schools. The school needs to make sure we’re not asking families to break the bank for unnecessary stuff. I mean, uniforms and shoes are tough enough – don’t pile on the pressure with pricey paper and toilet paper requirements. What’s up with specifying brands like Mondi, anyway? Let’s make it easier for parents, not harder. 

To a large extent, yes. When parents are already paying school fees, it is reasonable to expect that basic stationery such as exercise books, as well as essential items like toilet paper, should be supplied by the government or the school. Providing these fundamentals would help reduce the financial burden on families and ensure that all learners have equal access to the resources they need to learn effectively, regardless of their household income.

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