Back-to-School 2025: South African Brands Stepping Up to Support Education 

As schools reopen today, 15 January, South African brands are stepping up to support learners and lighten the load for parents. Through innovative back-to-school campaigns, they are making sure students nationwide are equipped for success. From affordable uniforms and discounted technology to school shoes for under a rand, these brands are paving the way for a brighter academic year.

1. FNB & PEP: School Shoes for Just 99c! 

In an exciting collaboration, FNB and PEP are offering school shoes for just 99c! Launched on December 26th, 2024, this groundbreaking initiative is helping learners from low-income households start the year with durable footwear. FNB cardholders can grab a pair of PEP’s Student Prince school shoes for less than R1, saving R129 in the process! 

How to Grab the Deal: Spend R300 or more at PEP, pay with your FNB card, and scan your PEP+ rewards card to qualify. But hurry, this is limited to the first 155,000 customers, and stock is flying off the shelves. 

2. Ackermans: Affordable Uniforms, Celeb Influence & a Big Competition

Ackermans is offering affordable school uniforms that won’t break the bank. To make things even more exciting, they’ve partnered with influencer Kairo Forbes for a competition that could help you win your child’s school fees! 

After the launch, Kairo faced criticism on social media over her appearance in an Ackermans Back to School uniform advertisement alongside Scandal actor Omhle Tshabalala, with some social media users arguing that the retailer should have featured less privileged children.

How to Enter: Simply purchase school wear (excluding lunch ware) to the value of R650 or more. Then, dial *130*602# and keep your proof of purchase to stand a chance. 

3. Bic: Writing the Future, One Student at a Time

Bic is on a mission to promote literacy and reduce school dropout rates. Since 2012, the brand has been driving change through its partnership with the Zero Dropout Campaign, donating thousands of writing tools and educational resources to schools across the country. Over the years, Bic has donated an impressive 16 million pens, reaching countless under-resourced students and empowering them to stay in school and succeed. Their ultimate goal is to impact over one million learners, fostering literacy and academic growth in communities nationwide.

How You Can Help: Every time you purchase a Bic product during the campaign, you’re contributing directly to these donations. Look for specially marked packs in stores across the country and be part of something bigger. 

4. Spar: Bata School Shoes for Just R70 

Spar is making back-to-school shopping easier and more affordable with its Bata school shoes campaign. Parents can buy unisex Bata school shoes for only R70 when they meet the qualifying purchase requirements. It’s an incredible offer that ensures your child steps into the school year with confidence. 

How to Get the Shoes: Spend at least R350 and swipe your SPAR Rewards card at participating stores. Take your till slip to the in-store kiosk to grab a pair of Bata school shoes for R70. Be sure to choose the right size using the sample shoe stand since returns aren’t accepted. 

5. Samsung: Making Technology Accessible for Students 

Samsung is making sure students have the tech tools they need to succeed in the digital age. With special discounts on laptops and tablets, Samsung’s back-to-school deals are giving learners access to the technology they need for online learning and more. 

How to Access the Deals: Simply register as a student on the Samsung website or visit participating stores with your valid student ID to access exclusive discounts on laptops and tablets.

Building a Brighter Future Together 

These back-to-school initiatives show South African brands are going beyond business as usual to make a real difference. By providing students with affordable essentials and digital tools, they’re helping to level the playing field and ensure that everyone has the chance to succeed. Here’s to a year of learning, growth, and success! 

Read more: Ackermans| Pep Stores| FNB| Spar | Pat on Brands

 

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