South African schools are bracing for a potential increase in fees in 2027, sparking concerns among parents already struggling with the rising cost of living. The Federation of Governing Bodies of South African Schools (FEDSAS) has warned that inflation-linked increases may not be sufficient to sustain quality education due to rising operational costs. Salaries, municipal tariffs, and maintenance costs are increasing faster than school income, potentially leading to financial strain.
FEDSAS recently illustrated the financial challenges facing schools, citing a scenario where school income increases by 5% annually, but salaries rise by 7% and municipal services by 10%. Over five years, income would increase by approximately 28%, compared to salary increases of 40% and municipal cost increases of 61%. This could force schools to reduce spending on learning materials, maintenance, and learner support programs.
The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) reported that 498 public schools in the province currently charge fees, but it is unclear how many are considering above-inflation increases for 2027. WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond stated that school fees are determined through the school's annual budget process and are not set by the WCED. The department ensures that schools comply with applicable legislation and regulations.
The South African Schools Act requires proposed budgets and school fees to be presented to parents at a properly constituted budget meeting and approved by a majority of those attending. A quorum of at least 10% of parents of enrolled learners is required. The WCED has implemented interventions to assist schools and parents, including converting 320 fee-paying schools into voluntary no-fee schools.
For the 2027/28 financial year, the WCED has set a provincial funding target of R1,978 per learner at no-fee schools, exceeding the national target of R1,919. Quintile 4 fee-paying schools receive R991 per learner, while Quintile 5 schools receive R342, both exceeding national targets. The department also compensates schools for exemptions granted to qualifying learners.
Economist Dawie Roodt and Education Union of South Africa (EUSA) chairperson Andre de Bruyn have expressed concerns about above-inflation fee increases. Roodt warned that households could no longer absorb rising costs, while de Bruyn called for greater transparency, meaningful parental consultation, and equitable government funding to prevent widening inequalities between schools.
In 2025, 84,083 learners benefited from school fee exemptions, a 290 learner increase from 2024. Parents unable to afford approved fees can apply to their school governing bodies for full or partial exemptions. The debate around possible fee hikes highlights the need for sustainable school budgets, reasonable increases, and support for struggling families.
Key points
- South African schools face financial strain due to rising operational costs, potentially leading to above-inflation fee hikes that could deepen inequality.
- The Western Cape Education Department has implemented interventions to assist schools and parents, including converting fee-paying schools into voluntary no-fee schools.
- Economists and education unions are calling for affordable increases, transparency, and equitable government funding to prevent widening inequalities between schools.
