PUPILS at a school in Tembisa on the East Rand have not been taught since schools reopened last week because the principal is demanding fees before teaching can start.
Parents and teachers at Nyiko Primary School are frustrated after the principal, who identified herself as TM Mkhize, demanded receipts for the payment of school fees before she would give out stationery.
A teacher, who asked not to be named, said the situation was frustrating because all they have done since schools started last Wednesday was to sit and do nothing, then go home.
"Children have no exercise books, so we cannot teach. Children have to produce receipts to prove that their parents have paid.
"You cannot penalise children for owing school fees because it is not their fault," the teacher said.
A parent, who said her child was doing Grade 7, claimed she had to buy a few items at the weekend for her child to be able to write.
"I spent R40 buying exercise books so she is able to write. It is not easy to complain openly because your child could be victimised," she said.
But Mkhize denied the allegations.
"I am not going to say anything because protocol does not allow me to talk to the media. But I can tell you that the children are in class and are learning," she said.
Gauteng department of education spokesman Charles Phahlane confirmed that the matter was reported to the department.
Phahlane said: "That school is a fee-paying school. If parents cannot afford to pay, they can apply for exemption or reduction in school fees."
He said the principal would submit a report to the department to explain the allegations.
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