School pupils want companies listed at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) to allocate R 1 billion to the Basic Education Department to help them.

The learners, under the banner of student movement, Cosas, marched on the JSE this afternoon.

Cosas spokesperson, Douglas Ngobeni says that the country has over R 16 billion in student debt, and they need help.

They are also calling for learners from Grades 10-12 to be incorporated into companies listed on the stock exchange as a practical way of up-skilling the youth.

They also want companies to cover students’ registration fees at tertiary institutions.