School Uniform Shopping Basket
Local tailors seem to be struggling to meet the demand for school uniform following the government’s decision to impose a ban on uniform import.
In 2020, the government took an initiative to promote local citizens by reserving businesses and certain industries for citizens only in what has since been dubbed Citizen Economic Empowerment by its supporters.
However, since then clothing retail stores were granted a waiver to import until the government effected a total ban in 2022.
In December 2022, retail stores, among them PEP Botswana and Ackermans Botswana, challenged the Ministry of Trade and Industry restrictions in court and won the case, but on the 23rd of December, the government appealed Judge Reuben Lekorwe’s ruling.
Meanwhile, Choppies Store has partnered with the Apparel and Textile Association of Botswana (ATAB) to allow local manufacturers to sell school uniforms in their shops.
Our reporter, Portia Mlilo, this week visited clothing stores for school uniform shopping guides as currently there is shortage at the recommended retailers, being Choppies.
Choppies Hyper Game City
Only a few grey panel skirts were left on the shelves on Tuesday after parents bought the uniform in numbers.
Skirts for 5 to 6-year-olds are priced at P64-95. The store Assistant Manager, Emmanuel Motlhoiwa, is expecting more stock during the week.
CB Stores
Grey trousers and shorts, white shirts and physical education activities shorts are in high demand and are out of stock.
There is only shorts and sky blue long-sleeved shirts, Large and X-Large size priced at P119.95 Boys’ white vests P36.00 and Anarak jackets retailing at P179.95.
Navy blue trousers 4-5 years and size 33 selling at P119.95 School shoes and socks of different colours are also available in stores.
The Store Manager, Keneilwe Ngwako, is not expecting stock anytime soon.
Pep Stores
Khaki and white shirts in red tags for clearance. Long and sky blue short-sleeved shirts 14-17 years price ranging from P89.99 to P99.99.
White vests selling at P29-99 and P54-99, PE shorts from P49-99 to P89-99. School shoes and socks available in store.
The shop management is waiting for the outcome of the government’s appeal.
For now, the shop is not selling school uniforms.