Back to school is fast approaching and with it, the traditional purchase of school supplies and uniforms. However, this year, the Matete market seems less lively than usual, according to a survey carried out by the editorial staff of CONGOPROFOND.NET.
Unlike in previous years, market vendors are seeing slow sales. According to one of them, this could be due to the freezing of the salaries of civil servants, which would have an impact on the purchasing power of parents.
However, the Ministry of Primary, Secondary and Technical Education recalled in an official press release that parents are free to obtain school uniforms and supplies in the market of their choice. This measure aims to promote competition and prevent schools from becoming places of sale, to the detriment of market traders.
It remains to be seen whether this instruction will actually be respected by parents, because so far some sellers have complained about unfair competition from schools. Faced with this situation, the next few days will be decisive for traders in the Matete market.
The start of the school year is scheduled for Monday, September 04, 2023, according to the school calendar established by the Ministry of EPST. Despite the disruptions caused by the global health crisis, the competent authorities have made efforts to normalize the calendar and ensure a return to school in good conditions.
In conclusion, the slowness of the Matete market in this back-to-school period raises questions as to the reasons for this lack of enthusiasm. Vendors refer to the freezing of salaries of civil servants, while the authorities encourage parents to shop in the market of their choice. It remains to be seen how this situation will evolve in the days to come