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South African Schools Act, 1996 (Act No. 84 of 1996)

Chapter 4 : Funding of Public Schools

41. Enforcement of payment of school fees

 

 

1) A public school may by process of law enforce the payment of school fees by parents who are liable to pay in terms of section 40.

 

2) The exemption from payment of school fees must be calculated according to the regulations contemplated in section 39(4).

 

3) The exemption from payment of school fees in terms of this Act is calculated retrospectively from the date on which the parent qualifies for the exemption.

 

4) A public school may act in terms of subsection (1) only after it has ascertained that-
a) the parent does not qualify for exemption from payment of school fees in terms of this Act;
b) deductions have been made in terms of regulations contemplated in section 39(4), for a parent who qualifies for partial exemption; and
c) the parent has completed and signed the form prescribed in the regulations contemplated in section 39(4).

 

5) Despite subsection (4), a public school may act in terms of subsection (1) if-
a) that school can provide proof of a written notification to the parent delivered by hand or registered post that the parent has failed to apply for exemption contemplated in section 39; and
b) despite the notice contemplated in paragraph (a), the parent fails to pay the school fees after a period of three months from the date of notification.

 

6) A public school may not attach the dwelling in which a parent resides.

 

7) A learner may not be deprived of his or her right to participate in all aspects of the programme of a public school despite the non-payment of school fees by his or her parent and may not be victimised in any manner, including but not limited to the following conduct:
a) Suspension from classes;
b) verbal or non-verbal abuse;
c) denial of access to-
i) cultural, sporting or social activities of the school; or
ii) the nutrition programme of the school for those learners who qualify in terms of the applicable policy; or
d) denial of a school report or transfer certificate.