Starting in 2026, South African private schools must deregister from VAT, which means they face big new tax bills on their buildings and equipment even though they aren’t selling anything. This sudden cost could drain school savings, force fee hikes, delay improvements, or cut bursaries, putting pressure on their budgets and futures. While the government hopes the change simplifies taxes, many schools worry it threatens their ability to keep offering quality education and support to students. Now, school leaders are urgently planning how to protect their traditions and communities in this new, tough financial landscape.
