IT is illegal for schools to turn away learners who are unable to pay school fees, said the Department of Basic Education in a statement.
The department said it has been inundated with calls from parents who are saying they cannot register their children because they can’t afford an upfront payment.
“We would like to warn all school governing bodies and principals to refrain from this illegal practice as it puts unnecessary pressure on the parents,” the department said in a statement .
“Parents are urged to report these unlawful practices to their nearest district or provincial education department offices.”
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All public schools are set to officially open on Monday, 15 February.
On Wednesday, Kwazi Mshengu, MEC for Education revealed in a written response to a parliamentary question that the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education is owed about R600 million by suppliers and current and former staff members.
Contact the Durban district office on 031 360 6597
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