Did you know that children have special rights when it comes to access to education? According to The SA Schools Act 84 of 1996, learners in public schools have the following rights:
- No learner may be refused admission to a public school on the grounds that his or her parent(s) is unable to pay or has not paid the school fees.
- In addition, no learner may be deprived of his or her right to participate in all aspects of the programme of a public school, despite the non-payment of school fees by his or her parent and may not be victimised in any manner including, but not limited to, the following conduct:
(a) suspension from classes;
(b) verbal or non-verbal abuse;
(c) denial of access to cultural, sporting, social activities of the school or the nutritional program; and
(d) denial of a school report or transfer certificate.
If you can’t afford school fees, you can apply to the School Governing Body for exemption from paying school fees. There are also no-fee schools where learners can attend classes for free.
Private schools are different and don’t have to adhere to the above. However, it’s worthwhile keeping in mind that they cannot withhold reports or transfer certificates, but they are allowed to cancel the contract with the parents if the school fees are in arrears.
Educating yourself on the law can help you educate our future.