Learners at Sunrise Secondary School in Diepsloot were allegedly turned away from the school gates on Wednesday for failing to pay a R300 annual “donation” fee, raising serious concerns about violations of the right to basic education.
A guardian and former learner of the school, who is now a qualified educator, told Diepsloot News that learners continue to be denied access to school if their parents or guardians are unable to pay the amount.
“Even today the kids were turned back,” the guardian said. “If you don’t have R300, you’re not allowed access to the school. You can only imagine how many parents don’t have that kind of money. Our kids can’t suffer.”
According to the guardian, Grade 8 learners are among those affected, with some allegedly not placed in classes due to non-payment. Parents have also raised concerns that learners are required to buy their own textbooks despite annual contributions being collected.
The guardian questioned how the funds are used, saying parents are forced to “donate” money every year while the school continues to face shortages of learning materials and poor infrastructure.
“What exactly is this money meant for if learners are still told there is no money for books?” the guardian asked, adding that parents deserve transparency and accountability from school management and the School Governing Body (SGB).
