'As pre-schools must close, do I still need to pay the fees?' Government responds to parents' concerns

Parent24 has received numerous queries from concerned parents, and we've been hard at work finding reliable and trustworthy answers for you.

This query just came in:

"With the announcement of our president, as pre-schools must close, do I still need to pay my school fees?

As there will not be a service to care for my child, and I will have to find a care taker to do this, and pay them a fee.

What are my rights on this?"

And the Department of Basic Education responded quickly:

Dear Parent,

The president announced a decision taken by cabinet following a meeting in which all the risks associated with the coronavirus were presented and discussed.

The declaration of the national disaster means that things cannot remain the same.

Learners in school must be protected against the virus which is spreading rapidly, placing the lives of kids in danger. There are costs to be incurred in a situation like this.

A disaster declared means that some of our rights will be limited in order to implement measures to save the whole country.

My suggestion is that you approach the institution with which you are contracted to discuss your concerns.

Kind Regards,

Elijah Mhlanga

Chief Director: Media Liaison – National and Provincial Communication

Department of Basic Education

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What to tell the kids:

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Compiled for Parent24 by Elizabeth Mamacos

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