PARENTS URGED TO REPORT SCHOOLS DICTATING UNIFORM SUPPLIERS

MBABANE – The Eswatini Competition Commission has urged parents to report schools that compel them to purchase school uniforms from suppliers chosen by the school, instead of allowing parents to choose their own. This call comes after numerous complaints from parents about schools continuing to enforce the purchase of uniforms from their preferred suppliers. Also, it is worth stating that the complaints were raised by parents preparing of the school reopenings which is set on January 28, 2025. Notably, this resistance by some schools persists despite the Ministry of Education and Training issuing Circular 10 of 2017.

Education

The circular expressed concern about the escalating cost of education in the country, making it increasingly difficult for parents and sponsors to afford educational expenses. The circular identified the cost of school uniforms and other related expenses as significant contributors to this issue. The circular specifically addressed the issue of schools entering into agreements with exclusive uniform suppliers, stating that schools should not make deals with specific boutiques for uniform purchases. Instead, the ministry instructed schools to publicly announce the design and colour of the uniforms, allowing parents to purchase them from open markets and fostering competition among suppliers to minimise costs. In the same year, the Eswatini Competition Commission Board of Commissioners issued a press statement. The statement highlighted that exclusive supply agreements between schools and suppliers were detrimental to consumers, often leading to higher uniform prices compared to those in a competitive market. It further noted that some suppliers colluded to set prices, including price increases, thereby distorting competition.

Agreements

Based on the Eswatini Competition Commission Act 8 of 2007 and the Competition Commission Regulations of 2010, section 30(1), the Board of Commissioners declared such school behaviour as anti-competitive. The Board directed schools to cease and desist from entering into anti-competitive agreements with suppliers. It also mandated that schools adhere to the guidelines outlined in Circular 10 of 2017, ensuring that school uniforms are as generic as possible. The Board ordered schools to terminate all existing exclusive supply agreements within 24 months from the date of the press statement. Cedric Chirwa, President of the Eswatini Schools Committee of the Association of Parents (ESCAPA), confirmed that some parents are complaining about schools directing them to specific uniform suppliers. He expressed disappointment that some schools are defying the Ministry of Education Circular 10 of 2017.
Chirwa criticised government’s lack of enforcement of its directives and policies. “We are urging government to implement consequences for these non-compliant schools. If government fails to hold schools accountable, the circular’s directives will become meaningless,” he said.

Mduduzi Masilela, Secretary General of the Eswatini Principals Association (EPA), stated that the association was unaware of this issue. He also confirmed the ministry directive, however, he said there are some concerns pertaining to it, which include, the quality of uniforms from different suppliers that the parents tend to support and that the is a need to minimise travel costs for parents that why they provided it to the parents. However, Masilela emphasised that the association is unaware of any schools currently enforcing exclusive supplier arrangements and if there are any schools, they do not know their reasons behind continuing to practise it.

Linda Dlamini, Consumer Protection Manager at the Eswatini Competition Commission, confirmed that the commission had previously received complaints from parents regarding this issue, leading to the prohibition of such anti-competitive agreements. She explained that these agreements hinder other businesses from entering the market and supplying uniforms to schools. “These agreements create a monopoly for the chosen supplier, limiting opportunities for other potential suppliers to develop and expand,” Dlamini stated. Dlamini reminded schools of the Board of Commissioners’ directive prohibiting these practices. He also advised parents to enquire about the school uniform colours and fabric requirements when enrolling their children and to check school prospectuses for this information.

Burden

“I urge parents who are compelled by a school to purchase uniforms from a specific supplier to report the school to the commission,” Dlamini said. He provided the commission’s contact number which is +268 76062962 for parents to file complaints. Dlamini emphasised that the cost of education is a significant and increasing burden and mitigating these costs includes the procurement of school uniforms, which is very crucial to avoid, as it ends up violating the children’s right, which includes the right to education. He further encouraged school committees to collaborate closely with school head teachers to avoid unilateral decisions that may impact parents.

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