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The report in The Times Newspaper this morning that school fees are set to rise at the end of the month are extremely concerning to the DA Youth.

Whilst we understand that schools have basic costs that need to be covered and that increases are indeed necessary, the DA Youth urges schools not to make any increases above the inflation rate.

South Africans are still recovering from a significant recession, and parents should not be overburdened further than what they are already. By implementing increases above the inflation rate, we not only run the risk of turning education into a commodity, but also limiting access to education even further.

Far from easing the debt burden of schools, high fee increases will simply result in the debt burden becoming even greater. We encourage parent governing bodies and communities to assist schools with looking for alternative sources of income, such as hosting events, before resorting to making above inflation fee increases.