Motshekga says migrant pupils without documentation should be admitted to schools

The minister of basic education, Angie Motshekga, said migrant pupils should neither be refused entry to schools in the country nor removed from them if they do not have proper documentation.

This comes after it was reported that pupils without birth certificates were denied entry into schools.

EWN reports that Motshekga has since written to the African Diaspora Forum to allay the structures concerns.

Motshekga reportedly said that though the schools’ admission policy permits schools to ask for documentation, this did not mean pupils could be refused entry if they did not have any.

Furthermore, Motshekga explained that in cases where the documents have not been finalised within the three months stipulated, that the pupil’s parents should be provided with assistance.

It was reported that schools found guilty of admitting pupils without the necessary documents as per the Immigration Act could be fined up to R5,000 per pupil.

The chairperson of the African Diaspora Forum, Dr Vusimuzi Sibanda, has since welcomed Motshekga’s assurance.

Sibanda was quoted as saying that it was not only migrant children who had been affected by the policy but South African children as well.

The department of education has issued a directive that schools across the province should ensure that all learners are admitted while the ministerial task force on the matter is being finalised.

(Compiled by Makhosandile Zulu)

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