The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has issued a warning to parents and guardians to be vigilant against unregistered and illegally operating schools, which it says pose a serious threat to children’s academic futures. The department said there has been a noticeable increase in such schools, particularly at the start of the new school calendar, when parents are scrambling to secure placements for their children. According to the GDE, attending a non-registered school has severe consequences for pupils, as these institutions operate outside the formal education framework.
“Attending a non-registered school negatively impacts pupils, as these schools are also not captured in the Education Management Information System (EMIS) system, leaving pupils unfunded and outside the formal education framework,” the department said. The GDE warned that reports issued by illegal schools are invalid and cannot be transferred to registered schools, making it difficult for pupils to continue their education. “There is no quality assurance over teacher qualifications or learning standards,” the department added, noting that this often results in pupils experiencing learning deficits and falling behind their peers academically.” The department urged parents to prioritise enrolling their children in legally registered schools, warning that failure to do so could have long-term consequences.
“Protect your children’s future by choosing legal, registered schools,” the GDE said. Parents who are unsure about the legal status of a school have been encouraged to verify its registration. The department said inquiries can be made through its Contact Centre on 0800 000 789 or via the GDE WhatsApp Query Line on 060 891 0361.
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Meanwhile, KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Education Sipho Hlomuka has also warned parents and pupils to be on guard against bogus and fly-by-night education institutions operating illegally in that province. Hlomuka last week said unregistered institutions often exploit vulnerable families by making false promises.
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