A Cape Flats high school student is not being allowed to attend the matric farewell due to outstanding schools fees.
The learner's mother Natalie Hendricks says she tried to negotiate with the school but it insisted on the full amount being paid which she says she cannot afford.
Western Cape Education Department's Director of Communications Bronagh Hammond says the department encourages schools to take into account parents' financial situations.
In terms of the School's Act, a child cannot be discriminated against because of outstanding school fees, she adds..
In this instance, it is very difficult when parents are not paying school fees because they can't afford to do so but can afford to pay for matric dance dress or a fancy suit. That gets very frustrating for principals.
— Bronagh Hammond, Western Cape Education Department's Director of Communications
At the end of the day, it is the child we have to look after.
— Bronagh Hammond, Western Cape Education Department's Director of Communications
Hendricks insists her child's dress and the car taking her to the ball was sponsored.
It is sad that the teachers think I have money to pay for the dress and not school fees.
— Natalie Hendricks, mother
She says she had to borrow money from family and friends to pay R2000 so that her child can be allowed to go to the ball.
She still has R2000 fees outstanding, she says.
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