Mpumalanga schools warned not to withhold report cards
The Mpumalanga Department of Education has issued a directive on
Wednesday warning schools not to withhold pupils’ report cards.
This comes after anxious parents expressed fear that their children’s report cards may be withheld due to unpaid fees.
MEC for Education in Mpumalanga Bonakele Majuba says unpaid fees is no excuse to withhold a report card.
“Should a school withhold a report card of a learner for any reason whatsoever, parents are urged to immediately report the matter at the nearest circuit office.
“Schools are advised to use other normal norms to ensure that parents meet their obligations without disadvantaging learners in anyway and principals must ensure that report cards issued to parents do not contain any errors.”
Meanwhile, education activist Hendrick Makaneta says parents who do have outstanding fees should be encouraged to sign an acknowledgement of debt document.
“Government must crack the whip on schools that are hellbent on frustrating parents and learners. Parents are also encouraged to sign Acknowledgement of debt forms and commit to pay their outstanding fees.”
Makenata adds that learners deserve to know how they have performed academically after a long year which was characterised by many challenges such as Covid-19.
“I will be writing to the Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga, requesting her to make a public statement regarding the issuing of school reports by schools, particularly private schools and former model C schools."
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