Parents who owe schools slated for costly lifestyle

MEC Chiloane questions prioritising flashy cars and expensive transport

- MASABATA MKWANANZI AND SIMON MAJADIBODU

GAUTENG MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane is livid about parents refusing to pay schools fees for their children. | ITUMELENG ENGLISH Independent Newspapers

(ITUMELENG ENGLISH Independent Newspapers)

MATOME Chiloane, Gauteng Education MEC, has expressed deep concern that some parents whose children attend fee-paying schools fail to pay school fees while spending money on expensive school transportation, trips, and driving luxury vehicles.

Chiloane brought up the issue during a crucial meeting with principals and School Governing Body (SGB) members from all fee-paying schools in the province. The principal and SGB of each school were present to ensure broad engagement on key issues affecting fee-paying institutions.

During the meeting, Chiloane presented the Gauteng Department of Education’s financial position and provided an update on subsidies owed to schools in line with norms and standards for school funding. Discussions also covered the growing problem of nonpayment of school fees and other pending matters that affect schools’ effective functioning.

“Well, as fee-paying schools, this is the reason why I call this lecture. We need to be frank with you, so that as you move and engage with your SMTs and SGBs, you are able to communicate that the MEC said there is no knight in shining armour with a bag of gold coming. Not in the next two to three years,” he said.

Chiloane urged principals to be innovative in sustaining their schools.

“I'm happy that those that are able to collect fees, do. Those that are not able to collect fees must really come up with ideas. And I don't believe that parents can’t afford it. I must be honest with you. I don't agree with that. If a parent can pay R2 000 every month for a child’s taxi or transport, you can't tell me that parent can’t pay R900 in school fees. It's not true”