DBE reiterates that withholding of school reports unlawful

The Basic Education Department has reiterated that the withholding of school reports is unlawful and unacceptable. 

This follows reports that parents at some no-fee schools in Mdantsane in the Eastern Cape have been required to make donations of up to R1,500, or face the possibility of their children being refused access to class or their reports. 

The department's Terence Khala said the issue was worrying.

"I think it is something that has affected many parents, especially at a time of the year as we approach learner reports being issued. The department's position is still very clear - no learner should be disadvantaged or should have their report withheld because their parent or guardian cannot afford to make a payment."

Khala's confirmed the schools involved are no-fee paying, which means by their very nature and legal classification, they may not charge compulsory school fees.

"What is allowed is for schools to be able to conduct fundraising and to raise voluntary donations to be able to support the school and within an understanding where the fees are not charged at the school, this then augments the supplementary payments that are given to the schools. But this should never be punitive or coercive in its nature; it should be voluntary and it should be something that is done out of the good nature of that parent."

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