Model Cs must admit poor

2003-12-09 21:02

Cobus Coetzee

Polokwane - Former Model C high schools in Limpopo have been warned not to exclude poor children from enrolling for school next year.

Education MEC Joyce Mashamba issued the warning on Tuesday, after complaints from parents who found they couldn't afford tuition fees at the government-subsidised schools, even though their children qualified for entrance.

The department's Freddy Greaver said the parents raised concern about the high school fees as well as other non-tuition costs they were expected to pay when they enrolled their children.

"The schools that were reported were primarily former Model C high schools, and this matter will be tackled proactively in order to avoid unnecessary problems in the coming academic year," he said.

Meanwhile, principals are advised to be on hand during the holidays until they've received all their books, stationery and textbooks for next year.

The learner support material is being distributed a month later than usual after the department changed its distribution procedures.

Greaver said the department would distribute the material during the holiday to ensure all was delivered before schools re-open next year.

- African Eye