More cash-strapped parents of pupils attending independent (private) schools and Section 21 (former Model C) public schools are defaulting on fee payments.
The National Alliance of Independent Schools Associations (NAISA), representing over 1 800 out of the 2 469 private schools, said there had been a noticeable increase in defaults in the first quarter of 2025, particularly among middle-income families.
The Federation of Governing Bodies of South African Schools (Fedsas) has estimated that the fewer than 3 000 former Model C schools will grant between R7 billion and R10 billion in fee exemptions to battling parents this year.
The full article, which contains comment from ISASA Executive Director, Lebogang Montjane, is available on the News24 website.