Some parents turn to vendors for cheaper uniforms

Milicent Chasinda and Mangaliso Kabulika

SOME parents have turned to vendors for school uniforms and stationery in Harare because of rising prices at established shops.

Schools opened yesterday for the first term and the streets of Harare’s CBD were a hive of activity as some parents sought cheaper alternatives for their kids’ uniforms.

They expressed concern over the escalating cost of back-to-school essentials.

One parent, Alois Chikomo, said the rising costs had made him opt for vendors this year.

“I always used to buy my children’s uniforms from reputable shops but with the prices going up, it’s now unafforadable.

“A pair of shoes is now US$15 and a blazer US$45. 

“I can’t afford to buy them and stationery.

“That’s why I considered buying uniforms from vendors, even though the quality might not be as good,” he said.

Another parent, Mai Ruvimbo, who was standing in a long queue at a local stationery store, said the cost of books had strained her financially.

“I used to buy my children’s stationery well in advance but, this year, I wasn’t financially stable.

“The price of textbooks, which we usually obtain from street vendors, has also increased. 

“Schools are demanding original textbooks instead of the photocopied ones from the street.

“It’s putting a strain on our finances, especially in addition to other school-related expenses,” she said.

A vendor said this month has seen a huge increase in demand for cheaper alternatives.

“In previous years, we would only have a few customers looking for cheaper alternatives, but this year, the demand has skyrocketed.

“Parents are looking for any way to save money since it’s January and they spent a lot during the festive season,” said the vendor.