Note to Editors: Please note Sakhile Mngadi MPL sound bites in English and IsiZulu
The DA, as a partner within KwaZulu-Natal’s (KZN) Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) calls on public school principals and School Governing Bodies (SGB’s) to comply with the law and issue reports to learners, without prejudice.
The appeal comes amid growing claims that a number of schools have refused to issue learner report cards on the basis of unpaid school fees.
While schools depend on fees to sustain operations, withholding academic reports as leverage for payment is unlawful and violates children’s rights to basic education.
The South African Schools Act 84 of 1996 (SASA) is unequivocal on this matter. Section 41(7) explicitly provides that a learner may not be denied access to his or her report card, academic records, or transfer certificate as a result of outstanding school fees. The Act further requires that fee recovery must be pursued through correct legal processes and not through punitive actions against children.
No child should be punished or humiliated for circumstances beyond their control. Reports are an essential educational document needed for progression, applications and academic continuity.
The DA does, however, urge parents and guardians to pay school fees where they are liable and able to do so to ensure that infrastructure is maintained, resources are provided and quality learning environments are available. Those with overdue accounts are encouraged to make payment arrangements and commit to settling arrears fairly and consistently.
Parents who are refused reports due to outstanding fees should not engage in confrontation at school level. Instead, they are advised to immediately lodge a complaint with KZN’s Department of Education (DoE) at their nearest circuit or district office, and request written acknowledgement and intervention.
Every learner deserves access to their results and progression information. As a responsible GPU partner, the DA is committed to ensuring that the law is upheld and that cooperation is fostered between schools and parents. The future of our children and that of our education system relies on this.