Back-to-school budgeting: South African parents share smart strategies to tackle rising costs

​For many South African parents, the start of a new school year is a mix of excitement and financial stress.

Rising costs for uniforms, stationery, transport and school fees mean families are rethinking how they prepare for the year.

Mpumi Mavi, whose son is entering Grade 10, said that she has had to change how she buys school supplies this year. She explained that she is only purchasing what her son will need in the first half of the year.

“This year, I bought only the items that he will need for the first six months instead of everything for the year at once.”

When it comes to uniforms, she said that her usual approach has had to change.

“I usually buy a new uniform at the beginning of the year, but that isn’t possible now. I will get a new uniform only when it’s absolutely necessary.”

Mavi added that she has been more careful about comparing prices than in previous years.

“I haven’t changed where I shop, but I’ve been comparing prices to make sure that I’m getting the best deal on stationery. It has taken longer than usual because of that.”

She also noted that her usual quick online shopping routine has been disrupted.

“I normally just go onto an online stationery store and select everything I need, but this time I had to make sure I wasn’t spending more than I should.”

She also pointed out the strain of rising costs on her budget. “Later, it will be inconvenient to purchase the items that I haven’t bought yet. Textbooks are incredibly expensive. Blazers are too.”

Mavi’s story is echoed by many parents who are having to make tough decisions to stretch their budgets.

Sithabile Zungu, whose son is entering Grade 6, shared how the rising school costs have forced her to change her usual approach. She explained that she has had to cut back on what she buys for the new school year.

“I used to buy the full school uniform for the whole week. This year I had to cut a lot because of how expensive school stationery and uniforms are, along with school fees and scholar transport.”

Zungu described the strain that this has put on her family. “It has been a roller coaster. The cost of life is hard now. We have to put our plans on hold for our children to have the necessary school equipment.”

She also wished for more support for parents and students. “I wish the cost of uniforms could decrease, and that funding for children in need to receive stationery at school could return.”

Zungu also reflected on the wider impact of education costs. “We say education is the key to success, but it breaks our banks, especially with a high rate of single parents.”

Experts noted that careful planning can help families manage the back-to-school costs without taking on unnecessary debt.

“By tackling the January crunch proactively, you eliminate anxiety and free up your energy to focus on work, family, and performing at your best. Clarity creates confidence, and confidence is the foundation of success.

"The secret to a stress-free January is continuous financial planning and sticking to the plan during the year, “ explained Momentum senior legal adviser, Sharon Hamman. 

​Hamman recommended three steps for parents:

Plan for the year, not just the month

Most families budget for monthly expenses like rent, groceries and electricity, but forget annual costs such as school fees, back-to-school expenses and car or home maintenance. Determining these costs and dividing them into monthly savings makes them manageable.

Modern banking tools allow separate accounts for specific goals, such as a “school fund” or “uniforms or books”. Clear labels help prevent spending the money on other items.

Prioritise needs and avoid unnecessary debt

High-interest loans or credit cards can worsen financial stress. Parents should ask whether an item is essential and consider options such as lay-by for uniforms.

If debt is unavoidable, choose the cheapest option and adjust the budget to repay it quickly.

Build a safety net with insurance

Even the best budgeting can fail if a family breadwinner cannot work due to illness, injury or death.

Adequate income protection and life insurance safeguard financial stability and ensure school fees and other obligations can be met.