The Department of Basic Education has warned school principals that it is illegal to withhold pupils’ examination reports over unpaid fees, after complaints that a Pietermaritzburg school refused to release report cards to several children. The warning follows claims from a parent in the northern areas who said his granddaughter’s report was withheld to compel payment of R1 000 in outstanding fees. The parent, who collects a child support grant for the pupil, said the school was aware of his financial circumstances.
I was heartbroken seeing my child returning home without her report. She said she and a number of others were not given their results because they had outstanding fees. “It was only yesterday that I was called to fetch the report after a school governing body member, who happens to live in the neighbourhood, reported the matter to the Department of Education.
“I know fees are necessary for schools to run, but not all of us can afford those payments. I’m a pensioner, and I have signed a concession with the school, so I don’t know why my child had to be put through this,” said the parent. The South African Schools Act 84 of 1996 is clear: Section 41(7) prohibits schools from denying pupils report cards, academic records or transfer certificates due to unpaid fees, and requires that fee recovery be pursued through proper legal channels rather than punitive action against children.
Read Full Article on The Witness
[paywall]
Basic Education ministerial spokesperson Lukhanyo Vangqa said principals who continue withholding reports “could be in trouble, as that is illegal”. Vangqa said the department had issued a statement warning schools “to refrain from using the children’s report cards as collateral for fee payments”. On Wednesday, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni echoed the warning during a media briefing after a Cabinet session.
[/paywall]
