mbulelo smpofu
Lesley Chikudo, chikudolesley@gmail.com
THE fading echoes of the festive season have given way to a tangible buzz of excitement in Bulawayo as the new school year swiftly approaches. This back-to-school season is a momentous occasion, eagerly anticipated by parents, pupils, educators, and the entire city. A sense of anticipation fills the air as young minds prepare to embark on a new chapter of learning and growth.
Concurrently, local businesses are gearing up to meet the surge in demand for school essentials, from uniforms and stationery to textbooks and shoes. As schools prepare to welcome students back on January 14 for the first term, a vibrant energy is palpable throughout the city, signalling the start of a new academic year filled with promise and possibility.
Yesterday, the city centre in Bulawayo was bustling with activity as retailers stocked up on everything students need, from notebooks to uniforms. The excitement extended beyond just shopping, as communities came together in various back-to-school WhatsApp groups where families could find great deals and connect with local businesses. Local entrepreneurs also took advantage of this seasonal demand by offering unique products, including stylish backpacks, uniforms, and various stationery items.
Jessica Nyoni, a local vendor of school uniforms, noted that business was relatively slow soon after the New Year.
“This year, business is very slow compared to January 2024. If you look at the stock I have, if business was like last year, I would not have a lot on my table. Actually, last year parents came here soon after the Grade Seven results were released to buy uniforms and socks for their kids, but this season it is a different story,” she said.
Kissie Ncube, who runs Hard Pear Investments, a company that tailor-makes school uniforms in the city centre said business has been slow.
“January is usually a slow month for us at Hard Pear Investments, but this year seems particularly quiet. We’re not seeing the usual post-holiday rush, and sales are slower than expected. I’m hoping it’s just a temporary delay as some people could still be in the rural areas after the holidays. Maybe next week, once everyone is back in town, things will pick up. We’ll have to wait and see. In the meantime, we’re focusing on preparing for the upcoming month and finding ways to boost sales.”
Bridget Nyoni, another school uniforms vendor, echoed similar sentiments about business being slow so far.
“The business has been very slow lately, and it has been a challenge to stay afloat. With the back-to-school season in full swing, many parents are struggling to make ends meet, and I think that is why they are delaying or reducing their spending,” she said.
Nyasha Moyo, a street book trader, blamed parents who download textbooks from the internet for slow business.
“The internet has revolutionised the way people access information. It has made it easier for people to discover new books and authors and to access free or cheap digital versions, cutting into our sales.
“The rise of e-books, online libraries, and piracy has significantly impacted our business, making it harder for us to make a living selling physical books,” she said.
For some, the dream of providing their children with the latest textbooks or branded school shoes seems increasingly distant. Parents could be heard engaging in hushed conversations about school fees, transport arrangements, and the perennial issue of new textbooks versus second-hand options.
“Financially, things are tough this year, so we’re having to be creative. My child will be reusing her uniform from last year, and we’ll only be buying the essentials such as new books and a few pairs of socks. We can’t afford to buy a whole new uniform set, and to be honest, last year’s one still fits her just fine. It’s not ideal, but we’re making do with what we have,” said one parent who wished to remain anonymous.
“School fees are already a significant burden, but on top of that, we have to worry about transport arrangements. The school bus service is expensive, and the public transport options aren’t reliable or safe for young children. I’m considering renting a car with other parents, but that’s not always a guaranteed option,” said Stanley Ncube, a parent.
Despite the hurdles, the spirit of resilience remains strong; the hope of a brighter future for their children fuels the determination to overcome these daunting challenges. Handwritten signs advertising discounts drew in crowds eager to save a few dollars, experiencing high business.
Siphakeme .Mnindwa
