If you can't pay school fees during lockdown, you need to say so The Department of Basic Education, legal experts and Isasa say parents must continue paying school fees - or make arrangements with schools.
Schools closed almost two months ago with the Covid-19 lockdown and many parents are now questioning why they should be paying for services not rendered. Yet the Department of Basic Education, legal experts and the Independent Schools Association of South Africa say parents must continue paying school fees - or make arrangements with schools.
“We received reports that in some schools parents did not pay fees, and this has affected the salaries of governing body-appointed teachers. It was agreed that provinces would look into the matter, to find an amicable but implementable solution. In the meantime, we urge all parents to continue paying school fees. If you cannot pay, because your circumstances have changed as a result of Covid-19, please approach the school and communicate your challenges with them.
“Many people don’t realise staff salaries alone comprise between 70% and 90% of a school’s fixed costs,” he said. “A lot of parents are going to be economically impacted,” Mabasa said. “This situation will require some flexibility from the schools, which might mean longer payment terms.” “In terms of section 40 of the act, parents of learners in public schools are liable for school fees, but can be exempted from the payment ... they are unable to pay. Depending on whether a parent has suffered a reduction in salary or has become unemployed, the exemption may be partial or full.”
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