David and Naledi have two children at school. David was retrenched and now does casual work at a supermarket where he earns R1 600 per month (R19 200 per year). Naledi cannot find a job. They cannot afford to pay the required school fees for their children. The school has sent David and Naledi a number of reminders about the payment of school fees. The school now sends them threatening letters saying that their children will not be allowed to write the final exams unless the fees are paid. The fees for each child are R1 500 per year.

WHAT DOES THE LAW SAY?

The Schools Act says no child can be refused admission to a public school because their parents cannot afford to pay school fees. The right to a basic education is also entrenched in the Constitution.

Parents can apply for a full or partial exemption.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Work out whether the parents qualify for full or partial exemption using the required formula.

E (Exemption) = 100 [ F (Annual fees) + A (Additional contributions demanded by the school)] 

[ C (Combined gross income of both parents) ]

E = 100 [ R1 500 ] 

[ 19 200 ]

E = 100 x 0.08

E = 8%

The school fees are between 3.5% and 10% of the parent’s total income. David and Naledi will therefore qualify for a partial exemption. What will this exemption be worth to them? Check the Table for calculating exemptions from school fees to work out what the value of this exemption is. According to the Table, a parent with two children attending ‘fee-charging’ schools, who spends at least 8% of the joint family income on school fees, qualifies for a 90% fee exemption.

90% of the school fees of R1 500 = R1 350

R1 500 – R1 350 = R150

David and Naledi will have to pay R150 towards the school fees of each of their children.

You can help the parents apply in writing to the school governing body for an exemption from paying school fees. Ask the school for a formal exemption application form. If this is not available then write a letter.

In the application use the formula to show why they qualify for a partial exemption and what this exemption is worth to them.