As the 2026 school year gets underway, South African parents are facing a familiar and deeply frustrating burden — paying premium prices for branded school uniforms and even basic pens and stationery, just to get their children ready for class. According to the Competition Commission, restrictive supply deals and price disparities have pushed up costs, turning simple items like branded shirts and basic pens into expensive necessities many families struggle to afford.

<p>As the 2026 school year gets underway, South African parents are facing a familiar and deeply frustrating burden &mdash; paying premium prices for branded school uniforms and even basic pens and stationery, just to get their children ready for class. According to the&nbsp;Competition Commission, restrictive supply deals and&nbsp;price disparities have pushed up costs, turning simple&nbsp;items like branded shirts and basic pens into&nbsp;expensive necessities many families struggle to&nbsp;afford.</p>

<p>METRO FM Talk with Faith Mangope </p>