Zimbabwe schools profiteering from uniforms

The Competition and Tariff Commission (CTC) has launched an investigation into alleged restrictive practices by Queen Elizabeth School, following claims that the institution compels parents to purchase uniforms and textbooks from exclusive suppliers as a condition for enrolment.

According to a notice published in the Government Gazette last Friday, the practice raises serious competition concerns. The CTC said forcing parents to buy from selected suppliers unfairly limits market access for other players and exploits parents financially. The probe specifically targets allegations that Queen Elizabeth School required Form One and Form Five enrolments to purchase uniforms from Giplic Fashions (Scott Adams) and textbooks from Gramsol Publishing.

"The Commission has preliminary concerns that the alleged practice may limit parents' and learners' choice of suppliers, creating barriers to entry for other market participants and conferring an unfair advantage to the preferred suppliers," the notice reads.

While the investigation is underway, the CTC emphasized that its initiation does not presume any wrongdoing by the school or the suppliers. The primary objective is to determine whether the school's procurement policy restricts competition and, if so, to assess its impact on the market.

Stakeholders and members of the public are invited to submit written representations within 14 days from the publication of the notice. Submissions can be emailed to director@competition.co.zw.