Hoërskool Vryburger High hit by financial crisis amid declining fee payments
Susan is the sole provider for her five children, four of whom live under her roof. She claimed that despite the school's best efforts, they had approached the situation incorrectly in trying to encourage parents to pay their fees.
Hoërskool Vryburger High in Primrose is grappling with severe financial difficulties, nearly pushing the institution to bankruptcy.
The school has experienced a drastic drop in fee payments since the beginning of the year, exacerbating its financial woes.
This situation reflects the broader economic strain on South African families, many struggling to make ends meet.
ALSO READ: Hoërskool Vryburger needs urgent financial rescue
In April, Germiston City News reported only 10% of parents at Vryburger could pay their children’s school fees.
This financial shortfall has led to the Ekurhuleni municipality cutting off the school’s electricity supply, compounding the challenges faced by learners and teachers.
Despite multiple attempts, the school has declined to comment on the matter and has requested that employees refrain from discussing the issue with the media.
However, one parent, *Susan, shared her struggles and concerns.
Susan, the sole provider for her five children, including two enrolled at Vryburger, described the difficulties of paying the full tuition.
ALSO READ: Learners of Hoërskool Vryburger High School aim high
“It’s not that I don’t want to pay school fees, but with the high cost of living, I can only afford half of what my children’s tuition requires,” she said.
Susan’s youngest child is in elementary school, while her other children are in Grades 10 and 12.
She worries about their educational future, especially as the school struggles financially.
Susan praised the school’s services, including its feeding scheme and successful rugby program, but criticised the administration’s approach to addressing the financial crisis.
She expressed frustration with the lack of support from the government and suggested the education department needed to intervene to prevent the school’s collapse.
The financial issues have led to a significant impact on the school’s operations.
Teachers have resigned because of unpaid salaries, leaving learners without essential instruction.
The school communicated through a parents’ WhatsApp group that it owes approximately R114 000 for water and electricity and R145 000 for staff salaries, all covered by school fees.
Susan highlighted the adverse effects on learner, including increased class sizes and disrupted lessons.
She noted her child’s academic performance has suffered because of the lack of consistent teaching.
ALSO READ: Vryburger’s rugby team is tops
“My child in matric had to complete practicals at home because of power outages, and many learners are struggling due to a lack of proper instruction,” she said.
The situation has also affected school facilities.
Susan reported toilets are often locked causing difficulties, particularly for female learners.
She criticised the school’s handling of the crisis, noting a general lack of discipline and inadequate learner support.
Read the Gauteng Department of Education’s comment on this page.
The GCN also sent the school a request to comment on August 12, requesting a comment by August 16 at 13:00.
At the time of going to print, no comment was received.
*Susan’s real name was not published for the protection of her children’s identities.
