Navigating School Fees Challenges: Your Rights and Options Explained

South African parents are increasingly feeling the financial pinch as school fees, coupled with the rising cost of living, strain household budgets. While education remains a priority, many parents struggle to meet payment deadlines, leading to complex debt collection processes or the pursuit of school fee exemptions.

Contents

This guide unpacks the process of applying for school fee exemptions and understanding the debt collection policies applicable to both public and private schools.

Understanding School Fees Exemption at Public Schools

Public school parents may be eligible for full or partial fee exemptions based on financial circumstances. Here’s what you need to know:

Who Qualifies for Exemption?

Certain categories of students automatically qualify for exemptions, such as:

Orphans living in orphanages.
Foster children.
Children under kinship care.
Heads of child-headed households.
Children whose parents receive social grants on their behalf.

How Exemption Is Calculated

A specific formula determines the level of exemption:

Full Exemption: When school fees exceed 10% of the parents’ total income.
Partial Exemption: If fees fall between 3.5% and 10% of the total income.

For example, if a family earning R150,000 annually has school fees of R13,500, this equals 9% of their income, qualifying them for a 94% exemption.

Application Process

Obtain Forms: Request exemption forms from the School Governing Body (SGB) via the principal.
Submit Information: Provide details on income, expenses, and dependents.
Await Decision: The SGB has 30 days to respond, followed by a written notice within seven days.
Appeals: If denied, parents can appeal to the provincial Department of Basic Education within 30 days.

School Fees Debt Collection Process

Private schools and fee-paying public schools have different approaches to handling unpaid school fees.

Private Schools

A letter of demand gives parents 20 business days to settle fees.
Failure to pay can lead to legal action or blacklisting by credit bureaus.

Public Schools

Before initiating debt collection, the SGB must ensure the parent does not qualify for an exemption.
A legal process includes:
- A letter of demand sent via registered post.
- Summons issued by the sheriff if fees remain unpaid after three months.
- Default judgment may follow if parents fail to respond.

Importantly, children cannot be barred from school activities, report cards, or transfer documents due to unpaid fees.

How to Avoid Legal Action

Parents unable to meet payment obligations should promptly notify the school and apply for exemptions or alternative arrangements. Schools are legally bound to evaluate each case fairly and assist parents within the framework of the South African Schools Act.

Also read: Free State Education Under Fire: 649 Teachers with Criminal Records Spark Outrage