Noluvu Ludidi
Over the past couple of months Weslander has come to learn of at least two incidents, at different schools on the West Coast, where learners were deprived of learning time in the classroom or even sent home due to overdue school fees.
In both instances the actions initiated by the schools have since been reversed, yet they have left many parents rather distressed.
Carmen Rodgers, Khoikhoi Paramount Chief of the West Coast and single mother of three sons, said she is deeply concerned that scholars are being denied access to classrooms due to unpaid school fees.
“I speak not only as a leader but as a parent who understands these struggles first hand. My youngest son is completing his matric in 2025, and it has not been easy. I myself had to make use of government subsidies to get through. But not all parents know how to navigate or complete those applications.
“We fought for free and equal education after 1994, yet today, in a democratic South Africa, children are still being locked out of learning.”
She added that the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) must pull up its socks. “With unemployment approaching 90%, poverty rising and parents unable to afford school or transport fees, urgent action is needed. More government schools must be built to accommodate the influx of students and overcrowded classrooms. Education is not a privilege but a right, which must be accessible to all.”
Another single parent, Esmarelda Mckay, said no school should withhold education from any child as it is a human-rights violation. She felt school-governing bodies (SGB) should be more proactive and involved with parents who are struggling.
“I am a single parent with one income and have been writing to SGBs about my story, and I am in a maintenance battle. The child can’t be punished. They need to be mindful and accommodate parents because the economy we are in is tough.”
Asked to what extent schools can impose fees, Millicent Merton, spokesperson for the WCED, said schools that have been declared fee-paying can charge fees. “The annual school fees are set by school governing bodies. Fees differ from school to school.”
Merton added Section 41(7) of the South African Schools Act states a learner may not be deprived of his or her right to participate in all aspects of the programme of a public school, despite non-payment of school fees by his or her parent, and may not be victimised in any manner, including but not limited to the following conduct:
• suspension from classes;
• verbal or non-verbal abuse;
• denial of access to —
(i) cultural, sporting or social activities of the school; or
(ii) the nutrition programme of the school for those learners who qualify in terms of the applicable policy;
• denial of a school report or transfer certificate.
In instances where parents do struggle Merton said parents should report this practice to their nearest district office.
“Parents can also request a meeting with the SGB to discuss the situation and seek a resolution regarding their fee status.
“Fee-charging schools rely heavily on timely school fee payments to operate effectively. SGBs employ additional staff. Paying school fees on time is crucial for parents who want to ensure their children receive the best possible education.
“If parents are facing difficulties paying, it’s essential to communicate with the SGB to make suitable arrangements.”
