Students at the University of North West

Young people, develop yourselves: Mbeki

Young South Africans can honour the memories of the fallen victims of South Africa's democratic revolution by focusing on education and personal skills development, says President Thabo Mbeki.

Library calls for book suggestions

The Department of Arts and Culture and the National Library are to reprint out-of-print indigenous language books in an bid to reduce literacy and promote the culture of reading and writing, and is calling on the public to help identify worthwhile books.

Bill to instil scholar responsibility

South African scholars will be taught a new Bill of Responsibilities as part of their life orientation lessons, which together with a schools' pledge is intended to instil a culture of respect and responsibility in the country's youngsters.

A parent's guide to schooling

At what age must my child enter school? What if I can't afford the school fees? Are teachers allowed to smack my child? What if my child has special educational needs? Can I educate my child at home? We give you the answers, and more, to frequent questions about South Africa's schooling system.

Did you know?

By law, no child can be excluded from a state school if his or her parents can't afford to pay the fees. If both parents' annual earnings (before tax) are less than 10 times the annual school fees, the child qualifies for a full fee exemption. Partial exemptions can also be made for parents with financial problems. You should apply to your school governing body for fee exemption. If your application is rejected, you can lodge an appeal with your provincial education department