Perceptions and implications of no-fee school policy: School-based management perspectives

Abstract

The inception of no-fee schools and a school-fee exemption policy has become a contentious issue but also an exciting one for school managers in South Africa. Managers opposed to the policy have cited amongst others things, academic standards dropping, as well as parents who can afford to pay jumping on the bandwagon and refusing to pay. While the advocates for no-fee schools argue that it is not only a moral obligation for the authorities to ensure that every child is able to get basic education, it is also a basic human right. Notwithstanding these contrasting views, an overwhelming majority (62%) of the purposively sampled principals of public schools in the Free State Province expressed relief and agreement with this decision to declare poor school nofee schools. This article, therefore, intends to explore not only the background to the policy but also the possible impact of this decision on overall school performance as perceived by the school principals.

Social network determinants of alcohol and tobacco use: A qualitative study among out of school youth in South Africa

“…Similarly, leaving school due to financial difficulties and lack of family support was associated with alcohol and tobacco use among OSY in South Africa, but the strength and direction of these associations were dependent on gender and geographical area [ 4 , 5 ]. Currently, South African policies exempting students who do not have the affordability from paying tuition fees should be enacted [ 85 ]. Coping mechanisms and strategies can also be incorporated into alcohol and tobacco prevention interventions among OSY.…”

Out of school youth

“…There is still a lot to be gained by current South African policy on preventing school dropout and alcohol and tobacco use. Currently, South African policies preventing school dropout include permitting the re-enrolment of pregnant learners (114) and exempting students who do not have the affordability from paying tuition fees (115). National policies on anti-tobacco and alcohol include prohibiting the sale of these substances to minors and increased taxes on cigarettes and alcoholic beverages.…”