By Buziwe Nocuze
- KwaMfundo High School in Cape Town is asking Grade 12 learners to pay R2,000 for weekend extra classes, even though it’s a no-fee school.
- The education department says the money is a voluntary contribution and no learner will be denied access if they do not pay.
Parents of learners at KwaMfundo High School in Khayelitsha are panicking after the school told them to pay R2,000 for extra weekend classes.
The school says Grade 12 learners will sleep over from Friday to Sunday as part of a programme to help them pass. But many parents say they simply cannot afford it — and they fear their children will be excluded if they don’t pay.
One single mother said she was shocked when her child told her she must pay R1,000 by the end of the month, and the other R1,000 the following month.
“I do piece jobs — washing clothes or working as a nanny. I only just managed to buy school uniforms. Now I must find R2,000 or my child will miss out on extra classes.”
Another parent said, “We take our kids to no-fee schools because we’re struggling. We want them to learn — not be punished because we don’t have money.”
Parents are calling on the Department of Education to step in and make the rules clear.
The Western Cape Education Department spokesperson Millicent Merton said the money is a voluntary contribution to help with the school’s academic improvement plan.
She said a meeting will be held with parents and no learner will be denied access to the classes.
“No-fee schools can ask parents to contribute to things like stationery or extra lessons, but it must be voluntary,” said Merton.
“If there are concerns, parents should talk to the principal or school governing body — or report it to the district office if needed.”
Pictured above: KwaMfundo High School learners in Khayelitsha.
Image source: Supplied
