Formal Concern Regarding School Fees and Learning Resources at Lenasia South Secondary

Good afternoon, I wish to formally raise a serious concern regarding several issues at Lenasia South Secondary (LSS). Parents are being compelled to pay R1,500 in school fees, and we require clarity on the justification for this amount. LSS is understood to be a government school, yet the Principal has stated that we should not compare LSS to Willowmead, as Willowmead is government funded. This statement raises the question: Is LSS not also a government-funded public school? If not, parents require a clear explanation of the school’s classification and funding structure. In addition, learners are issued a stationery list, which includes the exercise books they are required to write in. This implies that parents must purchase their own books. We need clarity on whether exercise books are not funded by the Department of Education, as is the case in many public schools. Furthermore, children are reportedly not receiving assignments because teachers indicate that they cannot print due to a lack of Typek paper. This is deeply concerning. If parents are paying school fees, purchasing exercise books, and are now expected to purchase printing paper as well, the burden becomes unreasonable. It also raises the question of fairness— If only one learner brings Typek paper, will only that learner receive printed assignments? We were informed that school fees are used to cover private security services and school maintenance, yet this still does not clarify whether LSS operates as a semi‑private institution, or why the fees appear higher than what is typically expected at a public school. Given these issues, we respectfully request:

A clear breakdown of how school fees are allocated. Written confirmation of whether LSS is a government-funded public school or operates differently. Clarity on why the school is unable to provide basic learning resources such as exercise books and printing paper. Assurance that learners are not disadvantaged due to resource shortages or because parents cannot provide additional materials beyond school fees.

We trust that you will address these concerns promptly, as they have a direct impact on the learners’ academic progress and the financial strain placed on parents.