Parents from Mitchells Plain primary school have raised concerns regarding an alleged mandatory contribution of R10 for casual dress days. One mother reported that she sometimes had to keep her children home due to the inability to cover additional costs.
However, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) denies the requirement to pay for students in school uniform, asserting that participation in casual dress days is voluntary.
Parents describe financial pressure
One parent, whose three children attend grades 1, 3, and 5, learned about this issue after her children told her they were told to pay even if they wore regular school uniforms. She recounted that her children came home and reported that the principal stated that a payment of R10 was necessary, even with school attire.
The mother explained that this supposed requirement put her in a difficult situation, as she is unemployed and relies on SASSA benefits. She recalled having to miss school for her children on Fridays due to lack of money.
With three children in school, the R10 contribution per child for a casual dress day would amount to R30. Furthermore, she mentioned that a teacher had previously contacted her regarding absences and warned that the principal might notice a pattern.
A second parent shared a similar experience with the Cape Argus, stating that her child came home to report that the students had no choice but to pay. This parent emphasized that she sends her child to learn, not to wear casual clothes, and stated: 'We are struggling, this is reality.'
WCED asserts contributions are voluntary
A WCED representative, Millicent Merton, stated that the district office had received no complaints regarding this school or similar allegations. She also noted that the school confirmed receiving no complaints submitted to the principal, senior management team, or Governing Body about these claims.
Merton clarified that participation in casual dress days is voluntary, and students cannot be forced to pay. She explained that students who choose to wear casual clothes may be offered the opportunity to make a charitable donation. The school, she said, denies any fee requirements for casual dress for those attending in school uniform.
Merton added that schools have the right to conduct fundraising events, but such contributions cannot be compulsory. She referred to the South African Schools Act, which obligates school governing bodies to take reasonable steps to supplement state resources. She stressed that while voluntary donations are encouraged, they must be entirely voluntary and cannot be enforced.
Department disputes attendance claims
WCED also refuted claims that casual dress days contribute to absenteeism. Merton stated that school attendance records do not show a significant increase in truancy on casual dress days or fundraising days, and there is currently no evidence that parents are keeping children home due to the inability to pay the R10 fee.
She added that many students attended school in school uniform on casual dress days without being required to pay. Merton advised concerned parents to first contact the school principal via email or request a meeting. If the issue remains unresolved, parents can forward their concerns to the relevant District Manager.
Nevertheless, parents insisted that their concern was not about the school fundraising, but about families already facing financial difficulties feeling pressured to contribute funds they cannot afford.