EFF’s Msimanga and Motaung Ensures Learners Are Not Excluded Over School Fees at Parys Dome Primary

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Economic Freedom Fighters’ (EFF) Free State Provincial Secretary, Malefane Bosanku Msimanga, and a member of the Central Command Team, April Motaung

Economic Freedom Fighters’ (EFF) Free State Provincial Secretary, Malefane Bosanku Msimanga, and a member of the Central Command Team, April Motaung

As part of the Economic Freedom Fighters’ (EFF) back-to-school campaign, the Free State Provincial Secretary, Malefane Bosanku Msimanga, and a member of the Central Command Team, April Motaung, visited Parys Dome Primary School in the Free State on Wednesday, 15 January 2025. The visit aimed to ensure a smooth start to the academic year and address critical issues affecting the school.

Upon arrival, the EFF leaders found that the school was not operating as expected. Learners were excluded from attending classes due to their parents’ inability to pay school fees. This discovery prompted immediate intervention by the EFF leadership. “On our arrival, we found it wasn’t a normal teaching day as other learners were excluded on the basis that parents couldn’t afford to pay fees. As EFF leadership, we intervened by giving guidance to management and the SGB in line with the laws that govern South Africa. We must confirm at the end we came to the common understanding that there will be no child who will be excluded from accessing education on the basis that their parents cannot afford to pay,” Msimanga stated.

Advocating for Equal Access to Education

The issue of excluding learners over unpaid fees has long been a contentious matter in South Africa. Education is a constitutional right, as enshrined in Section 29 of the South African Constitution, which guarantees that everyone has the right to basic education. Msimanga’s intervention aligns with the principles of the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act, which prohibits public schools from discriminating against learners on the basis of their parents’ financial status.

The BELA Act specifically states that no child may be denied access to education due to non-payment of school fees, as public education is intended to be inclusive and accessible to all. This legislative framework reinforces the EFF’s stance that “no child should be left behind” in accessing their right to education.

Addressing Structural Challenges at Parys Dome Primary

In addition to resolving the issue of excluded learners, Msimanga and Motaung also engaged with the school’s management to address broader challenges. The school raised concerns about a shortage of teachers and overcrowded classrooms, which have hampered effective teaching and learning. The EFF leadership committed to escalating these issues to the relevant provincial department for urgent intervention.

Msimanga acknowledged the school’s struggles but expressed optimism about its future. “We have committed to raising these challenges with the Department of Education in the province. The children of Parys Dome Primary deserve better, and we will ensure their voices are heard,” he said.

Community Response to EFF Intervention

Parents and guardians at the school expressed their gratitude for the EFF’s swift intervention. Many felt relieved that their children would not face further exclusion from education due to financial constraints. “The EFF’s presence today has given us hope. We were helpless before, but now we know that someone is standing up for our children,” a parent said.

The intervention forms part of the EFF’s broader #UmntanaEskolweni initiative, which aims to assist parents and learners with school admissions and related challenges. The initiative, launched by the EFF headquarters, deploys Members of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures across the country to ensure that every child has access to education at the start of the academic year.

The #UmntanaEskolweni Campaign

The #UmntanaEskolweni campaign has been instrumental in addressing issues such as late admissions, school readiness, and financial barriers to education. The EFF’s Free State leadership has taken a proactive approach, with Provincial Secretary Msimanga and other MPLs, including Coach Liphoko, Amelia Tshabalala, and Seipati Nanyane, deployed to various municipalities to assist parents and schools. Their contact details have been made publicly available to encourage parents to reach out for help.

The campaign’s slogan, “No child will be left behind,” underscores the EFF’s commitment to ensuring that education remains accessible to all, regardless of socio-economic status.

Challenges in the Education System

The intervention at Parys Dome Primary highlights systemic challenges within South Africa’s education system. Schools across the country face issues such as inadequate infrastructure, a lack of teaching resources, and financial mismanagement. These challenges are exacerbated in underprivileged communities, where schools rely heavily on government funding and parental contributions to operate effectively.

The Department of Basic Education has acknowledged these challenges and continues to work on long-term solutions, including improving teacher training, increasing funding for infrastructure development, and enforcing compliance with education policies.

Policy Framework Supporting the EFF’s Advocacy

The BELA Act is not the only policy framework supporting the EFF’s advocacy. The South African Schools Act (SASA) also prohibits the exclusion of learners based on unpaid school fees. Additionally, the National Development Plan (NDP) emphasises the importance of education in addressing poverty and inequality, aiming to ensure that all South African children have access to quality education by 2030.

These policies provide a strong foundation for interventions like those led by Msimanga and the EFF, ensuring that schools adhere to the principles of inclusivity and equality.

Celebrating Academic Achievements

During their visit, Msimanga and Motaung also took the opportunity to congratulate the matric class of 2024 on their achievements. Despite the challenges faced by the education system, many schools across the Free State have shown resilience and dedication to academic excellence.

The matric results are a testament to the hard work of teachers and learners, as well as the support of parents and communities. Msimanga expressed hope that the 2025 academic year would bring even greater success for learners in the province.

As part of the Economic Freedom Fighters’ (EFF) back-to-school campaign, the Free State Provincial Secretary, Malefane Bosanku Msimanga, and a member of the Central Command Team, April Motaung, visited Parys Dome Primary School in the Free State on Wednesday, 15 January 2025. The visit aimed to ensure a smooth start to the academic year and address critical issues affecting the school.
As part of the Economic Freedom Fighters’ (EFF) back-to-school campaign, the Free State Provincial Secretary, Malefane Bosanku Msimanga, and a member of the Central Command Team, April Motaung, visited Parys Dome Primary School in the Free State on Wednesday, 15 January 2025. The visit aimed to ensure a smooth start to the academic year and address critical issues affecting the school.

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