Run on numbers: understanding the financial burden of raising a child in South Africa

A large portion of the expenses of personal income goes towards education, for those people lucky enough to have an income. 

1. Momentum Investo did extensive research into what it costs to raise a child. “At inflation-related sums, it can cost R550 000 for the first six years, between R640 000 and R880 000 for primary school, and up to R1 million for high school. A three-year degree at a South African university may cost R660,000. These numbers add up to R3 million.” Standard Bank’s estimate is much the same. “Conservative estimates indicate that it can cost around R10,000 per month in today’s economy to raise a child, which means that over an 18-year period, factoring price increases, you can expect to spend over R2.5 million.” That is without considering sending the child to university.

2. In 2023, the average annual household income in South Africa was R204,359. This is based on data from Statistics South Africa's Income and Expenditure Survey (IES). It is obvious that the average household cannot afford a child. According to Statsa, “South African households allocated the majority of their consumption expenditure to four main areas in 2023: housing and utilities, food and non-alcoholic beverages, transport, and insurance and financial services. These categories accounted for 75,6% of total household spending, meaning that three out of every four rand were directed toward these essentials.” These numbers indicate that there is very little left to spend on a child.

3. A child’s education is hugely important to parents in South Africa today, not just as a pathway to individual success, but as a shield against poverty, unemployment, and inequality. However, how important it is in practice often depends on a family’s economic circumstances, location, and level of access to quality schools.

Here’s a breakdown:

3.1 Education as a tool for upward mobility

• Parents in all communities increasingly see education as the only reliable way for their children to escape poverty and unemployment.
• In a country where youth unemployment is over 40%, many parents view education — especially in mathematics, science, and literacy — as the key to future opportunities.
• Tertiary access is also linked to better career prospects, so parents who can afford it push for distinctions and bachelor-level passes.

For many South African parents, a good education is seen not just as a right, but as a survival strategy.

3.2. Differences across economic and social contexts

3.3 Disillusionment with the system

While parents want education for their children, many are losing confidence in the public education system:

• Pass requirements (e.g., 30% Mathematics) are seen as too low.
• Matric certificates are increasingly viewed as less valuable without real skills.
• Many parents turn to extra lessons, tutoring, or private schools, even if it strains their budgets.

Parents often wonder, “Yes, my child passed — but what can they actually do, will they find employment?” 

The graph below illustrates how important education is. It is, however, not a guarantee to find employment.

4. Education as a Political and Emotional Issue

• The 1976 student protests are still vivid reminders of what played an important role that led to the democratization of the country. 
• Education is still tied to hopes, frustrations, and aspirations for a better future.
• Protests over poor school conditions, safety, and lack of teachers often come from parents demanding better for their children.
• Many parents are also highly involved in School Governing Bodies (SGBs) or community learning programs.
• Successful schools all have one thing in common. An active school board that involves caring parents.

5. The Quality of Education is not improving.

“In terms of real mathematical proficiency, a Grade 9 learner in 2004 may have been on par with, or ahead of, today's matriculants scraping by with a 30% pass in Mathematics — a stark illustration of the decline in standards.”

Most parents give their all for their children. Our school system must not fail them. We cannot afford another day, nor to speak of decades of talk and no action.

In Summary:

Education remains one of the most important concerns for South African parents today. It represents both a hope for upward mobility and a source of anxiety due to systemic weaknesses. Parents across the spectrum are invested in their children’s learning, even as they grapple with a system that often doesn't deliver the quality or outcomes they expect.

* Kruger is an independent analyst.

PERSONAL FINANCE