Are school fees exemptions helping the needy? What an expert says

An expert has weighed in on whether the current formula for school fees exemption is helping those who need it most.

An expert has revealed whether school fees exemptions are helping the needy. Image: Pexels

The Federation of Governing Bodies of South African Schools (FEDSAS) revealed to The South African whether the current school fees exemption formula is working.

FEDSAS, a national representative organisation for governing bodies, says there’s been a considerable surge in school fees exemption applications in recent years. So, is this much-needed financial assistance getting to the parents and learners that need it most? Here’s what the organisation had to say.

SURGE IN APPLICATIONS FOR SCHOOL FEES EXEMPTION

According to the Deputy CEO at FEDSAS, Riaan van der Bergh, the number of applications have increased by over 20% per year since the pandemic.

He explained: “We have seen it increasing since tracking the number in 2014 and nearly doubling in this period from an average of 12% to an average of 25%.

“Over the past few years we have run polls with our members and found the number of applications increasing by 15% – 25% per year since the pandemic.”

‘PARENTS THAT NEED IT MOST SHOULD QUALIFY, NOT PARENTS WHO ABUSE THE SYSTEM’

Van der Bergh expressed that school fees exemptions are not helping those that need it most. According to him, it’s “based on relative wealth” not affordability. He explained some of the factors that need to be addressed.

“The intent of the regulation for fee exemption is to support the parents and learners who cannot afford school fees and are “unable to pay”. The formula is designed with the school fee, household income and number of learners.

“The portion of exemption is based on the proportional relationship between household income and school fees. The results differ from school to school due to differing school fees. It also changes with changes in school fees without a corresponding change in income.

“These factors need to be addressed as it is thus not based on affordability, but based on relative wealth. Parents that need it most should qualify, not parents who abuse the system.”

CALL FOR REVIEW OF FORMULA

The organisation has called for the seemingly flawed formula to be reviewed as it does not seem to be helping those it’s intended for – the poor.

“We have been calling for a review and correction in the formula. Schools are reporting increases in parents who are able to pay various other costs that may even include luxuries. It is intended for the poor. It should also not have a payment floor of zero but may have a ceiling of obligation.

“The sustainability of the model should be considered in the review. The result should be fair to the exempt parent, the school and also the other parents who pay full fees and cross subsidise the exempt parents.”

QUALIFYING FOR SCHOOL FEES EXEMPTION

The South African reported on 18 January 2025 on who qualifies for fees exemption. All parents with children in public schools have a right to apply for exemption for their kids. Parents can qualify for total, partial or conditional exemption.