Durban families balance school excitement with rising education costs

FAMILIES across Durban are navigating the financial challenges of back-to-school season, with some spending up to R15 000 on uniforms and stationery.

Despite rising costs, pupils from various schools share their enthusiasm for the new academic year and their aspirations for the future.

Schools across the province will open on Wednesday for the 2026 academic year.

For Jayde Moodley, 12, of Tongaat, who will be entering Grade 7 at Umhlali Preparatory, the new school year is filled with anticipation.

“I am excited to go back to school to see my friends and learn new things. My favourite subjects are maths and natural science. I hope to be an engineer one day,” said Jayde.

His father, Jeeva Moodley, said stationery was essential but acknowledged the financial pressure many parents experienced.

“I understand both sides of the coin when it comes to stationery and costs. Stationery is important for the classroom, but as a parent the cost of living and finances make it difficult to purchase." 

He said while they were "financially stable" they managed the back-to-school costs by buying items over a period of time.

In Silverglen, Gabriella Royan, 12, who will be in Grade 7 at Eden College, is enjoying her final year of primary school.

“I am overjoyed to see my friends again. I am also excited as this will be my last year in primary school before high school. My favourite subject is maths and I want to be a chartered accountant one day,” she said. 

Gabriella added that stationery shopping was one of her favourite activities.

Her mother, Mellisa Royan, said the costs varied each year. 

“Uniforms cost about R3 000 and stationery can go up to R5 000. Since she is not my only child in school, it adds up." 

Mellisa said they preferred buying everything at the end of the year.

“Budgets were done in November to pay for everything before school started - it makes it easier that way." 

In Pinetown, brothers Aryan Kistanasamy, 6, who will be in Grade 2, and Vihaan, 3, who will be in Grade 00, at Pitlochry Primary, are eager to begin the school year.

“I am happy to be going to school. I like playing and my favourite subjects are coding and robotics,” said Aryan, while Vihaan shared that he was “excited to see my brother during lunch breaks”.

Their mother, Anastashia Kistanasamy, said having two children in school at the same time had significantly increased their expenses. 

She said that uniforms, stationery and shoes required careful planning. 

“Stationery cost me R2 100, uniforms around R1 300 each and shoes were also expensive. We budgeted in November and shopped in January,” said Anastashia. 

For Zayden Moodley, 5, from Newlands West, starting nursery school at Durban Christian Centre was a combination of excitement and nerves.

“I am excited and nervous to attend school, but I am happy to make friends,” said Zayden.

His mother, Neekara Moodley, said the costs were substantial despite Zayden being their only child. 

“Uniforms alone set us back R5 000, and specialised school stationery came to R3 000. We budgeted last year for everything and bought all the stationery at once as required by the school." 

In Reservoir Hills, Kiara Somaroo, 17, is entering her final year of school. She will tackle matric at the Dr AD Lazarus Secondary. 

“Going into Grade 12 is scary, but I am ready to just get over school,” she said. 

Kiara hopes to study nursing next year and admits she will miss the stationery shopping.

Her mother, Seema Somaroo, said costs remained high even with one child. 

“Her uniform and stationery came out to R2 000. As parents, this is what we have to do for our children." 

Meanwhile, Westville sisters Amy Grace Steven, 9, who will be in Grade 5, and Cara Hope Steven, starting Grade 1 at Pitlochry Primary, are equally enthusiastic.

“We are both extremely excited to go back to school. We love our teachers, friends and the school environment,” said Amy.

Their mother, Natasha Steven, said careful saving throughout the year helped ease the financial burden. 

“My husband and I save money throughout the year, so at year end we don’t feel the pinch. Roughly R15 000 has been spent so far." 

She added that stationery requirements increased as the children moved into higher grades. 

“For my Grade 5, I send stationery as she needs it. For my Grade 1, we send everything on the first day so the year flows smoothly,” said Natasha. 

The POST