Shutting out learners and withholding reports over fees illegal - officials
Schools in KwaZulu-Natal are again being warned that stopping pupils from attending school or withholding reports due to unpaid fees is illegal.
The National Teacher's Union it's been made aware of schools employing these tactics in order to get parents to settle outstanding fees.
NATU Deputy President Doctor Ngema says parents also need to make financial arrangements with schools if they are struggling.
"As National Teacher's Union we want to express it clearly that anyone who deprives a learner the chance to go to class or [from getting their] results at the end of the year because of the non-payment of fees, that person is in breach of the Constitution."
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"The law of the country in terms of Section 29 is very clear in saying everyone has a right to education. So it can’t be right for learners to be deprived of that right on the basis of their parents not fulfilling their obligation."
KZN Education's Muzi Mahlambi concurs, saying such behaviour from schools is unacceptable.
He says Director-General Mathanzima Mweli condemned such conduct during a briefing on Sunday.
"We are very much aware and we have indicated to schools so say it is illegal to do so. Issues with the school fees must be dealt with the parents, [not by] withholding reports and preventing learners from writing and ill-treating them by making them by making them stand outside the classroom and missing class."
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