SECTION27, representing a parent of two matric learners, is forced to return to the Gauteng Division of the High Court, Johannesburg on an urgent contempt of court application on 21 July 2026. This application stems from a court order that was granted against the Sifiso Learning Group and Future Nations on 9 June 2026. SECTION27 instituted an urgent application for immediate re-enrolment of two Grade 12 learners, who were unlawfully excluded from the school for their parents’ inability to settle outstanding school fees. The court also ordered that the school instruct the Independent Board of Examinations (IEB) to register the learners for their final matric exam.
Despite the court order, the school has still not fully complied. Although the school has belatedly permitted them to return to their classes, the school has failed to fully reintegrate the learners into school activities. Moreover, the school has, to this day, failed to register them for the IEB examinations despite the parent having paid the registration fees within 48 hours of the 9 July court order. The school has instead misinterpreted the order and furnished the parent with an invoice for all of the outstanding fees.
SECTION27 therefore calls on the court to hold the school and its directors in contempt and to abide by the court order. This matter is important to ensure that the learners are able to complete their matric year, which is a realisation of their right to basic education
The school has opposed the application for contempt and filed a Notice of Leave to Appeal instead. They argue that their notice suspends the court order and that they are not required to comply with the court order. The school further argues that the learners should consider writing privately and are not required to write the IEB exam – other options are available to the learners.
It is important to consider that the learners are in their final year of schooling, and matric forms part of a learner’s right to basic education. If the Grade 12 learners are not registered with the IEB for the independent examination assessments at the end of the year, they cannot get their certification, which is an infringement of the learners’ rights to basic education. A lack of urgent relief could have a significant adverse effect on their future endeavours and opportunities. There is therefore no doubt that the registration of the Grade 12 learners for the IEB examinations is key to their achieving the IEB and National Senior Certificate, which is central to the completion of their right to basic education. Allowing them to complete their academic year will be in the children’s best interest.
For media enquiries contact:
Pearl Nicodemus | nicodemus@section27.org.za | 082 298 2636
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