Most provinces miss school payment deadline — Fedsas
The Federation of Governing Bodies of South African Schools (Fedsas) says government officials' poor management and political inaction harm education in SA.
Only three of nine provinces paid schools on time by the May 15 deadline. These payments are legally mandated and help schools cover basic costs.
According to a media statement by the Fedsas, only the Western Cape, Free State and Limpopo education departments paid before the deadline.
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According to the national norms and standards for school funding, schools should receive two payments annually, in May and November.
'South Africans should be very worried,' said Dr Jaco Deacon, the CEO of the Fedsas.
'Many schools struggle to cover basic needs like electricity, water, and learning materials.'
Deacon said education departments like to celebrate the 87.3% matric pass rate, but fail to properly fund schools.
'This failure violates children's right to basic education. And where are the people supposed to check that the departments do their jobs? They're missing in action,' he said.
The Fedsas also warned that no-fee schools, which do not charge school fees, suffer the most. These schools depend entirely on the two payments the government makes.
'Even when they do get paid, it's only about R1 754 per learner per year. That's R8.77 per child per school day,' said Deacon.
Fee-paying schools are also under pressure. If parents don't pay fees, and the government doesn't cover fee exemptions, these schools face financial problems.
The Fedsas wrote to the national and provincial education departments in March to remind them of their responsibilities. Still, most departments failed to pay on time.
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Deacon calls on the new Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, to act fast.
'She must ensure children's rights are protected and hold those who failed to do their jobs accountable,' he said.
'This happens every year, and no one is ever punished. It's time for change. The Government of National Unity must take this seriously.'
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