Africa-Press – South-Sudan. The Bor County Education Department in South Sudan’s Jonglei State has cancelled a controversial directive on school fees and teacher taxation, just weeks after introducing the policy in a move that had drawn concern from education stakeholders.
In a letter dated March 30, Gabriel Panchol Anyang, director for Bor County education, revoked the earlier order issued on March 16, 2026, which had introduced cost-sharing payments for learners and a partial personal income tax (PIT) for teachers in private schools.
The earlier directive required parents to pay 3,000 South Sudanese Pounds per term for learners from nursery to Primary 8, and 5,000 South Sudanese Pounds per term for students in senior classes. It also mandated a 10 per cent monthly personal income tax on teachers working in private institutions.
The March 16 letter, circulated to private schools under the Jonglei Unified Teachers (JUPs) leadership, stated that the measures would take effect from the first term of 2026. It framed the policy as part of efforts to support the education system through local revenue generation and cost-sharing.
However, the policy was met with resistance from parents, school owners, and teachers, who questioned its timing and feasibility amid economic hardship.
In the latest communication, Bor County Education Director, Panchol, said the decision to cancel the directive followed instructions from Samuel Ador Thon the state minister for education.
“I do hereby cancel the payments,” the letter reads, referring to both the student fees and the teacher tax introduced earlier.
The department said the cancellation takes immediate effect and apologized for the inconvenience caused by the initial directive.
The reversal is expected to ease pressure on families and teachers in South Sudan, where many already struggle with the rising cost of living and limited access to stable incomes.
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