Committee condemns withholding of reports

IN A significant move to protect the rights of South African learners, Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Basic Education has expressed grave concerns over the troubling practice of schools unlawfully withholding academic report cards, particularly in no-fee schools.

- WENDY DONDOLO [e-mail]

In a meeting held on Friday, committee chairperson Joy Maimela highlighted the pressing issue of financial pressures placed on parents during a time of economic hardship.

Complaints have surfaced that some schools, along with their School Governing Bodies (SGBs), are exploiting the financial disadvantages faced by many families, threatening to withhold report cards if parents are unable to engage in fundraising activities.

“A learner's academic progress and access to report cards can and must never be used as leverage to compel parents to contribute financially or participate in fundraising activities,” Maimela said.

She further drew attention to the trend of requiring parents at no-fee schools to purchase essential stationery, a demand she categorically identified as unlawful and a violation of learners’ constitutional rights to access basic education.