The mother of a Grade 6 learner at a private school in Florida is more than upset after her 13-year-old child and others were ‘chased’ off the school premises because the mother is behind with payment of school fees.
She alleged that this has happened before, with not only her own daughter but other learners as well. According to her, her daughter and a cousin were told to leave the school premises on 2 May because she has yet to pay the previous month’s fees. This created another problem as there was no transport available for the children at 8.30am and they had to walk to their grandmother’s house in Discovery. “What about the children’s safety?” asked the mother.
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She claimed that she intended to make payment but because of the many holidays recently could not do so. Her daughter was allegedly told not to come to school unless she “has cash in hand and first goes to the office to pay before going to class”. Her daughter had to stay at home yesterday (3 May) due to this instruction.
In terms of section 5(3)(a) of the South African Schools Act 84 of 1996, no learner may be refused admission to a public school on the grounds that his or her parents are unable to pay, or have not paid the school fees as determined by the Governing Body. This Act does not make provision for private schools though.
The Record has approached both the Gauteng Department of Education as well as the school for comment.
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