WCED probing claims Khayelitsha principal withholding pupil's ID over outstanding fees
Department Spokesperson, Bronagh Hammond told Eyewitness News that the Iqhayiya Secondary School is denying the allegations that it is in possession of pupil's identity document and that it’s withholding her matric results.
About 700,000 IDs have been blocked by the Department of Home Affairs without due process. Picture: Ashraf Hendricks/GroundUp
CAPE TOWN - The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) says it is investigating claims that a Khayelitsha school principal confiscated the identity document of a pupil, who allegedly has outstanding school fees.
In a video shared on a Facebook community page the female pupil, whose identity is concealed, explains what happened.
She admits that there’s an outstanding bill of about R800 for fees, extra classes, and winter school.
The pupil, who matriculated in 2023 said as a result of this, her life has come to a standstill.
The department said the matter has been brought to their attention.
Department Spokesperson, Bronagh Hammond told Eyewitness News that the Iqhayiya Secondary School is denying the allegations that it is in possession of pupil's identity document and that it’s withholding her matric results.
"The WCED is engaging the school further. No school can deny a report card for the non-payment of school fees. If a parent is denied a report card, they can contact the district for assistance."
Meanwhile, the pupil said she hoped the matter could be resolved soon.
"I'm heartbroken, my former matric classmates are working, and others are studying while I'm sitting at home doing nothing."
According to the pupil, her grandmother visited the school to speak to the principal about the matter, but her pleas were ignored.