Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

4 min read
18 December 2022 | 3:52 pm CAT

Parents from schools across the country have alerted education authorities that they are being prevented from picking up their children’s end-of-year reports because they still owe school fees. At the same time, it is argued by many that schools are not allowed to withhold a report if a parent or caregiver still owes the school some money.

Discussing the challenge with Radio Islam International, the Department of Basic Education’s Elijah Mahlanga said according to the law, both no-fee and normal fee-paying schools cannot deny parents and students the right to receive the end-of-year report.

“The school act, which is more than 25 years old has not changed,” he says.

According to Mhlanga, it is found that schools want communication from parents. There is also an indication that parents need to play an active role in their children’s schooling as meetings are held at schools in which the concerns of parents are raised.

Meanwhile, it is exposed that some teachers have no respect for learners due to the humiliation they inflict on fee-owing children.

Mahlanga said many teachers who act this way must be reminded of their responsibilities and the code of professional ethics they have signed up for.

“The responsibilities of a teacher is to instill confidence in a child, encourage them to grow and ensure they understand their role in society,” he added.
Mahlanga further advises parents whose children’s reports have been withheld from attending the school and requests written reasons. This provides commitment in writing from the school regarding the action taken against parents.

Listen below to the interview on Radio Islam’s podcast.