School report cards “held back” illegally?

Northam/ Thabazimbi – It recently came to light that a local school withheld learners’ school reports because of outstanding school fees by parents.

According to the Limpopo Department of Education spokesperson Sam Makondo, withholding a school report is illegal. “Schools are not allowed to withhold report cards. These children have worked hard during the term and have a right to know what marks they have achieved.

However, it is still the responsibility of the parents to ensure that all school fees are paid. Schools must make arrangements directly with the parents and leave learners out of the process.” 

During an interview with Platinum Bushvelder, the chairperson of the finance department at the particular school said:

“All schools have systems in place to accommodate parents who are not able to pay school fees, that is the law.

Parents are liable for school fees should they not apply for exemption or a waiver thereof. When a parent does not apply, that parent commits him/herself to pay the normal fees.

We are by law not allowed to withhold school reports, but parents must communicate with the principal or the school’s governing body to make arrangements for arrear school fees, then they will receive the child’s school report.

Open communication between parents and their schools are imperative to avoid unnecessary complications.”