Why schools fees should be reduced

As a result of the coronavirus global pandemic, certain measures and regulations have been implemented. However, I do have a few concerns.

With regards to school fees, in particular ex-Model C and private schools, I strongly feel that parents should only pay a certain percentage of the yearly school fees and not the entire amount as a result of the lockdown.

Why should parents have to pay the full amount when certain facilities such as sports fields, classrooms, computer labs and libraries, within these various privileged schools, are not being used as a result of the lockdown?

I have also seen a few articles concerning businesses not paying rent since they are not using their landlord’s facilities, though I understand this is being reviewed.

Since Model C and private schools are essentially businesses, why should parents pay school fees if the facilities are not being used as a result of the lockdown?

I, however, do understand that teachers and other staff members need to be remunerated and certain classes are being done via video conferencing platforms.

But I would also like to highlight the tremendous amount of money these schools save from using less electricity due to the lockdown.

I am also under the impression that if teachers are able to claim UIF and maybe these schools can claim a certain percentage of the money back for their government-employed educators, the schools will be saving on electricity and will essentially only pay a reduced percentage of the teachers’ salaries out of their own pockets.

Many of these schools which fall within the upper quintiles might have to purchase supplies such as hand sanitisers and other health products.

They might state they can’t offer a reduction of school fees as a result of the supplies purchased.

However, many of these privileged schools have a budget for sporting activities and since it is highly unlikely that sporting activities will resume, some of this money can be used to purchase supplies needed to help combat the coronavirus.

Certain schools have hostels, where the food budget has now drastically decreased, general wear and tear has decreased and water and electricity has further decreased, thus leading to a decrease in school expenditure.

The same can be applied to universities with residences that students are unable to use.

This is why I believe parents of school pupils should be refunded a percentage of the yearly school fees.

Schools could also consider the following options if they do not wish to refund a percentage of the school fees.

Option 1: Schools can reconsider their budget and should they have excess money they can donate it to the Solidarity Fund thus helping everyone within SA.

Option 2: Schools can help parents in dire need as a result of retrenchment due to the economic circumstances. 17-Year-Old Proud South African

Why should parents pay school fees if the facilities are not being used as a result of the lockdown?