Free State Parents Rally Against Schools Withholding Reports and Matric Statements

A collective of determined parents from various towns in the Free State province have declared their intention to tackle the issue of school principals who have been illegally withholding students' reports and matriculation statements due to unsettled fees. This standoff is set to reach a climax on Wednesday, 17 January, when these 'gatvol' (fed up) parents plan to engage directly with the school authorities.

Despite the principle of free education being enshrined in South African law, numerous schools across the region have developed the controversial practice of not releasing pupils' academic records if their accounts show outstanding balances. This includes charges for not only school fees but also additional costs related to matriculation camps and even the provision of A4 paper for printing.

These practices have sparked intense debate and conflict across social media platforms, with frustrations boiling over among parents, educators, and school leaders alike. In pursuit of resolutions, representatives of the aggrieved parents met with the Department of Education officials in the Thabo Mofutsanyana region on Monday, 15 January.

During this meeting, community leader Mokete Mokoena voiced the pervasive concerns, noting how families across the Free State have lodged a deluge of complaints. Mokoena highlighted the extortionate demands placed on parents, with some schools asking for up to R8 000 for a matric camp, an amount that is unaffordable for many.

In response, the Department of Education committed to sending formal letters to the school principals, instructing them to cease any financial demands on parents, which aligns with the national policy of free education.

The alleged arrogance of the principals in persisting with these practices despite complaints has been particularly aggravating for the community. Mokoena condemned these actions, labeling them as a form of corruption and signaling the community's readiness to confront the issue as schools resume.

Adding to the discourse, Provincial Department of Education spokesman, Howard Ndaba made an appearance on a community radio station. In his interview, Ndaba emphasized the illegality of pressurizing parents for contributions towards paper costs, withholding of academic reports, matric certificates, or statements, and penalizing pupils through suspensions for related non-payments.

The upcoming confrontation between parents and school principals is set to be a defining moment in the ongoing struggle for adherence to the principles of free and accessible education in the Free State. As community members take a stand, the culmination of this tension may very well redefine the financial operations and communication transparency of schools in the region.