“R77k Worries Me”: South African Kids Showcase Unpaid School Fees, Mzansi Stunned

“R77k Worries Me”: South African Kids Showcase Unpaid School Fees, Mzansi Stunned

  • A group of pupils showcased how much school fees their parents owe, and people were shocked
  • The video grabbed the attention of many, generating loads of views along with thousands of likes and comments
  • South Africans reacted to the clip as they flooded the comments section, expressing their thoughts
  • Briefly News spoke to lay counsellor and emotional support expert Astrid Diaries on how institutions can better support students struggling with academic and financial stress
A TikTok video shows kids unveiling their unpaid school fees.
Pupils unveiled their unpaid school fees in a TikTok video. Image: @dvo.bethel
Source: TikTok

A group of pupils placed their fees on blast as they showcased the amount they owed to the school, which caused a massive buzz on social media.

Kids showcase how much parents owe school fees

The clip shared by TikTok user @dvo.bethel shows learners unveiling the amount their parents owed to the school. The first kid showcased her statement, and it was R46,850, another R33,850, followed by R37,700.01.

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The footage went on to showcase one schoolboy flexing his invoice statement, and his balance is zero as the fees were paid in full. However, what shocked the nation was a young gent who unveiled the amount his parent owed, which was R77 550.

@dvo.bethel revealed to the public that their school fees per month are R12k. The video captured the attention of many, gathering loads of views along with thousands of likes and comments.

Take a look at the clip of the pupils unveiling their school fees below:

How to support students with academic and financial stress

While speaking to Briefly News, lay counsellor and emotional support expert Astrid Diaries said the following:

"Offering robust support services for students is essential, not only for their well-being but also for the university’s overall success. Wellness services, from in-person counselling to telephonic and day-to-day support, are critical in fostering a healthy campus environment. Engaging final-year and postgraduate psychology students in these initiatives could be a valuable step forward."

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She went on to add that:

"These students gain practical experience by applying their knowledge, developing essential skills, and becoming proficient future practitioners. They must have opportunities to assist others who need a supportive space to manage stress."

The lay counsellor and emotional support expert suggested the following by saying:

Schools can also consider offering financial aid or flexible payment schedules to lessen financial strains. "No kid should experience excessive stress that compromises their academic performance."

People react to video

The online community had mixed reactions as they headed to the comments section to express their thoughts.

LeighRahTow said:

"No, man, why are you letting them know about school fees? I just hope it doesn't affect them on their academics."

Saliyah19 added:

"This is the reality for most of our kids. Yes, we should keep our affairs private. But the school will embarrass and degrade you at every opportunity, like withholding reports and not issuing textbooks."

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C$cott wrote:

"R77k worries me."

Lerato_Leee expressed:

"Yhoooo I’m not ready to be a parent Shem."

Uppity African shared:

"I'm a mother, and I owe school fees, and it's stressful."

Kgoshigadi_kind commented:

"This is the generation that is going to break the "payslip should be kept confidential " rule. Ma2k will forever be my favourite generation."

Pupils share what their parents do for a living

Briefly News previously reported that the lovely students interviewed over ten learners who all named their parents' noble jobs in Mzansi.

Success is different for everyone. Some people dream of swimming in money, while some dream of disappearing into a remote village and feeding cattle. Whatever success means, money is needed to accomplish certain things.

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Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Johana Mukandila avatar

Johana Mukandila (Editor) Johana Tshidibi Mukandila has been a Human Interest Reporter at Briefly News since 2023. She holds a national diploma in journalism from the Cape Peninsula University Of Technology (2023). She has worked at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, PAICTA, BONA Magazine and Albella Music Production. She is currently furthering her education in journalism at the CPUT. She has passed a set of trainings from Google News Initiative. Reach her at johana.mukandila@briefly.co.za

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