Kaya 959 Kaya Biz

School uniforms and supplies remain costly: Why the Competition Commission is stepping in now

Loading player...
Guest: Mpho Moate, Analyst at the Competition Commission

Even after years of guidelines meant to curb anti-competitive behaviour, school uniforms and stationery continue to stretch household budgets across South Africa. With hundreds of complaints from parents and suppliers still being logged, the Competition Commission says the time for leniency has passed and stronger enforcement is now on the table.

In this interview, Competition Commission analyst Mpho Moate explains why exclusive supplier agreements continue to drive up prices, why compliance has lagged despite widespread awareness of the rules, and what the Commission’s tougher approach means for schools and suppliers. We also unpack the new price-monitoring tool being developed with the Department of Basic Education, how it could bring real relief to parents, and the practical steps families can take if they believe they are paying unfairly high prices.
13 Jan 3PM English South Africa Business News · Investing

Other recent episodes

Stats SA Explains April’s Sharp Inflation Rise to 4%

South Africa’s inflation rate surged to 4.0% in April, driven by fuel, transport, and housing pressures. Stats SA’s Patrick Kelly unpacks the numbers, the 1.1% month‑on‑month spike, and what’s behind the dramatic swing in transport inflation. We explore regional differences, goods vs. services inflation, and what this means for households…
20 May 4PM 11 min

4% Inflation and the SARB’s Next Move

With inflation back at 4% and oil‑driven risks rising, the SARB faces a critical decision next week. Economist Sifiso Skenjana unpacks the April CPI print, the credibility of the new 3% target, and whether a rate hike is now on the table. We discuss real interest rates, global financial conditions,…
20 May 4PM 15 min

Southern Sun Earnings Surge on Domestic Travel Boom

Southern Sun delivered a strong FY26 performance, with income up 9% and domestic travel driving a major rebound. CEO Marcel von Aulock discusses the second‑half surge, rising occupancy, R600 million in refurbishments, and the return of major events. We also explore offshore challenges, the impact of geopolitical tensions, and how…
20 May 4PM 11 min

PMBEJD Warns of Hunger Risk as Prices Rise

The national household food basket jumped 2.3% in April — the steepest rise in years. PMBEJD’s Mervyn Abrahams explains how fuel price spikes are already filtering into food costs, why minimum‑wage earners face a survival crisis, and how nutritional shortfalls are becoming a national security concern. We discuss urgent policy…
20 May 4PM 11 min

DHL’s R220 Million Bet on Gauteng

DHL Supply Chain is doubling down on South Africa with a R220 million investment in a new Gauteng distribution centre. Bremer Pauw, CCO MEA & MD Africa, DHL Supply Chain explains why this matters for FMCG, cross‑border trade and local job creation
8 Apr 2PM 19 min
All episodes