Public schools in the Western Cape province have reportedly paid over R36 million in bank charges in 2021, at an average of R23 572 per school. However, dozens of schools paid much more than the average amount, regardless of whether they are fee-charging or non-fee charging schools.
The alarming amounts of money, which is a result of school spending, are being looked into by the Western Cape Education Department (WCED).
The WCED has reached out to 10 fee-charging and 9 no-fee charging schools with the highest bank charges for their input regarding the expenses, and what assistance they would like from the Department to help reduce the charges.
"We have also reached out to senior managers of some of the major banks on an informal basis to discuss the situation, and I appreciate their willingness to examine the issue to find ways to reduce the costs," reads a statement released by the province's Education Department.
The Department has stated that 40 schools in the province have reported paying over R100 000 per year in bank charges in 2021. The 10 fee-charging schools with the highest bank charges racked up a sky-high figure of R1.5 million alone.
The top 9 no-fee charging schools reported paying R665 495; the Department was alarmed that one of them paid over R100 000 in bank charges.
Western Cape Education MEC, David Maynier, said account holders must pay for the services rendered; nevertheless, the Department would like the bulk of school budgets to be spent on education, particularly at no-fee charging schools.
"We will offer schools our support in finding ways to reduce this cost so that learners receive the full benefit of investments in education," concludes the statement.
