The South Sudan government has issued an order regulating private schools’ fees, saying private schools must charge fees not exceeding 80,000 SSP and 200,000 SSP for day and boarding schools respectively.

Speaking at a press conference in Juba on Thursday, the Deputy Minister of General Education and Instruction, Martin Tako Moyi said the order came after the ministry met with headmasters and representatives of Parents- Teachers Associations of some private schools.

Articles 8 (1) g and 21 B (iv) of the General Education Act, 2012 say the Ministry of General Education has a role to make regulations for and inspect private schools, and that private schools are investments, and shall charge reasonable fees.

“The Ministry of General Education and Instruction has received abundant complaints from parents across the country reporting that some private schools were charging very high school fees,” Deputy Minister Martin said.

He added, “One private school in Munuki Payam charges 3,250 US dollars per annum, and another school charges 1090 US dollars for the primary and nursery section. Not all schools are charging the same, there are schools that charge reasonable fees.”

According to the deputy minister, the order says all private schools must charge annual school fees not exceeding 80, 000 South Sudanese Pounds, pointing out that this is inclusive of all scholastic requirements.

He further said that private boarding schools should charge annual fees not exceeding 200, 000 Pounds. Martin Tako further said the ministry ordered that all fees must be paid in South Sudanese Pounds.

According to the deputy minister, the new order says private schools fees must be paid in three instalments within the 2020/2021 academic year. The order warned that action will be taken against any private or faith-based school found to be in contravention of the new directives.

The general education ministry, however, said the order excludes international and diplomatic schools in the country.

Headmasters of the private schools could not immediately be reached for comment.