By Doreen Mokgolo

• A poor student from Hammanskraal can’t get his matric certificate because he owes R600 for a school camp from two years ago.

• Emmanuel Moiloa, who supports his siblings with odd jobs, says the school won’t let him pay the money in small amounts.

An outstanding fee for a school learning camp is holding back a former matriculant’s life – almost two years after he finished school.

The 23-year-old former student’s life is on hold because his school won’t give him his matric certificate over R600 he still owes.

Emmanuel Moiloa from Adam Masebe Secondary School in Sekampaneng Village near Hammanskraal finished matric two years ago.

He comes from a child-headed family that lives on social grants.

The money is for a week-long Grade 12 learning camp that the school lets poor students attend even if they can’t pay.

The camp was part of the Secondary Schools Improvement Programme.

Moiloa is one of many students from poor backgrounds whose schools won’t give them their matric certificates because of unpaid “donations”. These range from R150 to R450 and help schools with running costs.

“I managed to raise money and was given the statement. After paying I was reminded of the outstanding SSIP fees,” said Moiloa.

“I explained my family’s financial background but they didn’t want to assist. I also tried to arrange with the school to pay off the money but all attempts were turned down.”

The school principal won’t talk to students affected by this problem.

Moiloa can’t study further or find proper work without his certificate. He now wishes he hadn’t gone to the camp.

“Everywhere I go they request my matric certificate which I cannot provide, even when I attempt submitting the matric results statement,” he said.

“The little money I make from odd jobs I do periodically goes towards supporting my young siblings who are still in school.”

Parent Maria Matsemela said school governing bodies are failing poor students.

“They umbrella financial decisions without coming up with ways to cushion learners who are from poor backgrounds,” she said.

“Not every learner can afford to pay the school fees that are now labelled as donations and buy stationery.”

The Gauteng education department did not respond to requests for comment.

Pictured above: Emmanuel Moiloa.

Source: Doreen Mokgolo