victimisation of school children
22 January 2007
This is a stern warning to principals, who break the law, by withholding
reports and / or forcing parents to pay school fees at "No Fee" schools.
The toll free hotline of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has been
inundated with calls from parents, complaining that some schools have refused
to give them their children's report cards, because their school fees have been
in arrears.
The law is very clear about the matter. No child can be denied education or
be victimised when his or her parents cannot afford to pay school fees. Where
parents can afford to pay school fees they are obliged to do so and action may
be taken against parents where they failed to do so. However, action can never
be taken against the child by withholding his or her report card.
Parents at 53% of our schools do not have to pay a cent in school fees.
These 3 341 "No Fee" schools represent 42% of our learners and parents, whose
children attend these schools, do not have to apply for exemption of school
fees. All the schools in quintiles one and two were informed of their "No Fee"
status last year. However, we have been receiving complaints from parents that
they were forced to pay school fees at some of the "No Fee" schools.
Where it is brought to our attention we will taken action against those
principals. They are breaking the law and we will not tolerate it.
We appeal to parents where this is the case to contact us through our
hotline (0800 204 353) or to report the matter to the district offices. We
appeal to parents to be patient when using the hotline as it has been very
busy. Details can also be faxed to (033) 342 0275 or emailed to christin@kznedu.kzntl.gov.za
For further information, please contact:
Christi Naude
Director: Media and Citizen Liaison (Acting)
KwaZulu-Natal Education
Tel: (033) 355 2453
Fax: (033) 342 0275
Cell: 083 262 8829
E-mail: christin@kznedu.kzntl.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Education, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial
Government
22 January 2007
