Unusual back-to-school ‘stationery’ lists spark outrage among Mzansi parents
Many South African parents are furious about the inclusion of non-stationery items in this year’s stationery lists by some schools.
As the back-to-school period approaches, parents have raised concerns about certain items included in this year’s stationery lists by some schools. While parents expect traditional supplies like pens, pencils, and notebooks to be on the stationery list, some schools are now allegedly requesting absurd non-stationery items. These include toilet paper, tissues, and cleaning products.
Social media platforms buzzing
Many South African parents have voiced their concern and disbelief on social media platforms. Social media platforms are buzzing with comments, shared lists, and frustration coming from parents. Many of the parents are voicing their discontent, highlighting the inclusion of items that seem far beyond the scope of traditional school supplies. Some parents have even resorted to engaging with the Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, seeking clarification and intervention regarding these unexpected demands.
Domestos and toilet paper as part of stationery?
The inclusion of items such as 18-packs of toilet paper and cleaning essentials like Handy Andy, Pine Gel, and Domestos has left parents baffled, according to Bona magazine. They are questioning the rationale behind these requests. Many parents are speculating whether schools are now shifting the Education Department’s responsibility of providing these supplies over to the parents.
Some of the stationery lists request that parents buy packs of toilet rolls, boxes of tissues, bottles of liquid soap, and also reams of paper. These are predominantly from quintile three schools that do not require school fees.
The Witness reported that a Hilton resident who is an executive director at a college expressed his shock at what the school of his domestic worker’s children has requested. He stated that the list included two flip files, one ream of Rotatrim paper, 12 toilet rolls, an A5 hardcover book, wind up crayons, an A4 plastic folder, erasers, sharpeners, pencils and Pritt glue. All these items are for one Grade 1 learner.
‘My helper has two children and they both attend quintile three schools, which means that these are non-fee-paying schools. So how are parents, who can’t afford school fees expected to buy these items?’ he stated.