Mohamed Ameen Dabhelia – 23/11/2016

The Association of Muslim Schools (AMS) says it is concerned about reports that government may outstrip ‘Independent’ and ‘Muslim’ schools from receiving state subsidies within the next few years.

Speaking to Radio Islam, AMS coordinator for the Gauteng region Mahmood ‘Mems’ Moosa says while meetings between the Department of Education, principals  and relevant stakeholders are underway, there has been no indication whether the withdrawal of subsidies will go ahead.

“Up until now, there hasn’t been any formal notice from the National Executive Committee in Gauteng, there’s no guarantee that this will happen.”

Moosa says it will be an unfair situation should they find themselves in a position where government no longer subsidises independent schools.

“The quality of education delivered by independent schools cannot be compared to what public schools are offering, if you see where people running the economy came from, you will see that they came from independent schools.”

Moosa emphasises that if the state subsidy is cut, many children will not be able to attend an independent school.

“Many of the children’s parents won’t be able to afford school fees, at the moment government schools are filled to capacity, so where will these children be accommodated?”

Amid ongoing ‘Fees Must Fall’ protests around South Africa, pressure on government has increased dramatically to try and create ‘free decolonised, quality higher education’ at institutions.

Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan said in his mid-term budget policy statement that an extra R17.6bn is needed to fund South Africa’s higher education system.

So, where will this money come from?

According to Gordhan, in the 2017 medium-expenditure framework, government will fund the increase in fees at higher learning institutions for the 2017 academic year, up to a maximum of 8% for students from households earning up to R600 000 per year, while top-ups will also be made to the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).

Independent Schools left in Limbo!

On the matter of per learner expenditure, it is important to note that school education is funded by provincial departments of education, which receive funds from a provincial treasury.

National tax revenues are distributed to provinces according to a formula that takes into account various socio-economic variables, including education variables.

How does an Independent School qualify for State Funding?

A school has to be registered for a year before it qualifies to receive a subsidy.

According to the Department of Education South African Schools Act, (act no 84 of 1996) “the awarding of a subsidy is contingent on the school showing proof of further compliance with the Norms and Standards for School Funding that provides national guidelines to the Provincial Education Departments, which administer the subsidies.”

Subsidies are paid on a five-point progressive scale, with 60% of the provincial average estimate per learner (PAEPL) in ordinary public schools  being the highest subsidy that a school can receive (per learner), and 15% of the same, the lowest, depending on the school’s fee level and socioeconomic circumstances.

Schools that charge fees of more than 2.5 times the (PAEPL) are not eligible for a state subsidy.”

Can Independent Schools Survive Without State Funding?

Yes and No.

Hassan Badat – Treasurer of the Nurul Islam School in Lenasia says it is imperative for schools to be able to attain additional funding from government.

“If the state does not provide additional funding to schools, then we run the risk of putting pressure on parents to pay exorbitant amount of fees, which could drive learners away from the school.”

Ebrahim Ansur from the Orient Islamic Educational Institute in Durban says for the past ten years, schools in Kwazulu – Natal have not been receiving the subsidies entitled to them.

He adds that should government cut the entire subsidy, schools will be forced to shut down.

However, Ansur says that the Orient Islamic Institute does not solely rely on government funding, which is why the withdrawal will not affect the school directly.

“The impact will not be that dramatic on us as the state subsidy accounts for 3 to 5% of our total budget.”

Implications Of The Outstrip Going Ahead?

The Democratic Alliance’s Gauteng Shadow MEC for Education Khume Ramulifho says that the state should not shift the responsibility on to independent schools to try and cover free higher education.

“If state subsidies are taken away from independent schools, the Department of Education will be faced with many challenges; there are not enough quality schools in the province, and these independent schools are filling that gap.”

Currently a decision is yet to be made with regards to whether or not government will continue subsidising independent schools.

If the outstrip does go ahead, schools will be forced to increase  fees, which will eventually leave some in a difficult position forcing learners to switch to fully fledged government funded schools.

Twitter: @thedabhelia

(Edited by Faizel Patel)