Management of school fees exemptions : role of the principal

M.Ed.The purpose of this study is to investigate the management of school fees exemptions by school principals. Due to the current financial climate in South Africa, the responsibility for financing education is shifting increasingly from the government to the private sector and the parent community in particular. Consequently schools have to generate more funds to supplement state resources. These funds are administered and managed by school-based managers. Furthermore, this concept enhances the aspect of school fees management. The first chapter of this research provided a comprehensive orientation and background of the research problem. The aim of the research was presented and the method of research was discussed. In chapter two, the researcher concentrated on a focused literature study. The literature study explored the concept of the budget ; legislation and policy on school fees exemptions, accountability and transparency of principals. The research design and qualitative methodology was the subject of discussion in chapter three. An interview as a research instrument was explained. Therefore, various aspects of an interview as a research instrument were discussed. Findings of this research, which emanated both from the literature review on school fees exemptions and empirical research, revealed that poverty and unemployment are the main cause of non-payment of school fees. It was also revealed that parents are not aware of the school fees exemptions policy and that they do not apply for school fees exemptions. Another reason for non payment of school fees is the mismanagement of school fees. The recommendations regarding addressing problems of non-payment of school fees in our country were provided