Non-payment of school fees a direct threat to teacher job security, quality education - NSA headmaster

JOHANNESBURG - Some public schools have warned that the non-payment of school fees was not just a financial burden but a direct threat to teacher job security and the quality of education.

This comes as South Africa celebrates a historic 87.3% national matric pass rate for 2024. 

Public high schools across the nation have commended learners for the remarkable achievement.

The National School of the Arts in Johannesburg said that while it was celebrating, festivities had been overshadowed by pressing financial challenges.

Headmaster Salome Gaelesiwe said that the non-payment of school fees and a shrinking budget from the provincial education department had left the school on the brink of making tough decisions.

"Due to the finances we were facing as a school, we ended up having to try and do retrenchments. So, we are hoping that with the 2025 year starting, we will get the support from the parents, especially when the parents see how well we’ve done. We are hoping that they will assist us in making sure that fees are paid."

As schools like NSA continue to deliver excellence despite economic strains, the call for greater support from parents and government remains crucial.