A bubble bath, a pack of 48 toilet rolls, designer binders and fancy pencil cases. These are some of the demands schools have made as pupils prepare to return to school for the 2025 academic year. This has left many parents confused, worried, angry and voicing their frustration. Lerato Mbele speaks to Siyabulela Makunga, spokesperson of the Competition Commission, Steve Mabona, spokesperson of the Gauteng department of basic education and, Matakanye Matakanye from the National Association of School Governing Bodies.