Competition Commission, schools reach uniform settlement
The Competition Commission has reached a settlement with various schools accused of anti-competitive behaviour.
The settlement follows a year-long probe into the price of school uniforms.
Commissioner Temba Bonakele made the announcement at a media briefing in Johannesburg on Tuesday, saying the while an agreement has been reached with some schools, investigations into other which are refusing to cooperate will continue.
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The schools appeared in front of a tribunal where the agreement of the settlement was reached.
Bonakele says the commission will continue to work with to ensure they understand and are aware of the regulations when it comes to the selling of school uniforms.
“We have to use our stick against them,” Bonekele said of the schools which are refusing to cooperate.
Schools which have reached a settlement with the commission include Reddam House, Curro and ADvTECH.
Bonekele said the commitment shown by the schools in improving competition in the supply of uniforms and the reduction of prices for parents meant that the commission decided not to institute a fine.
He said the commission’s preferred outcome is a reduction in the price of school uniforms.
“That for us is a bigger price than just a fine.
“In exchange they were not fined. They committed to change the behaviour and committed to the principles that are contained in this pledge.
“Just think about it. Place yourself in our shoes, how many schools are there in the country? And how much time will you have to investigate all of them and to what end?”
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