Media Release
Minister of Education Debbie Schäfer
Western Cape

1 February, 2016

Minister Schäfer cautions against the operating of illegal schools.

Statement by Minister Debbie Schäfer, Minister of Education

It has been brought to my attention that there are a number of institutions in the Western Cape that are claiming to operate as 'Independent Schools' and that have been 'enrolling' learners for the 2016 academic year.

This has serious consequences, particularly for the learners involved, as their education is not recognized.

The South African Schools Act, Section (46) states that:

1. No person may establish or maintain an independent school unless it is registered by the Head of Department.

2. The Member of the Executive Council must, by notice in the Provincial Gazette, determine the grounds on which the registration of an independent school may be granted or withdrawn by the Head of Department.

All Independent schools have to operate within the confines of the Constitution and national and provincial legislation.

Registration as an independent school is required to conduct any form of tutoring at an institution.

I caution any parent who enrolls their child/ children at these institutions that the WCED will not recognise any tuition that takes place at the school as formal education. The learner will therefore still need to complete their formal education at a formal institution registered with the Western Cape Education Department.

Parents can find a list of registered schools here - http://wcedemis.pgwc.gov.za/wced/findaschool.html

When parents enrol their children at an independent school they are advised to ensure that the school has a registration certificate.

This certificate should be displayed in a conspicuous place so that parents can have access to it. This is in terms of the regulations for independent schools.

If parents are suspicious of a school which cannot present a registration certificate, or suspect the school is operating illegally, then I urge them to contact the WCED.

The contact details of the relevant officials are as follows:

Mrs Nazli.Domingo-Salie - (021) 467- 2235 or Nazli.Domingo-Salie@westerncape.gov.za or
Mr Saul Philander - (021) 467-2580 or Saul.Philander@westerncape.gov.za.

I also want to caution that it is a criminal offence for any person to operate an institution that is not registered with the WCED as an independent school. Any person operating such a school shall be guilty of an offence and liable, on conviction, to a fine or imprisonment for up to three months.

Media enquiries:
Jessica Shelver
Spokesperson for the Minister of Education, Debbie Schäfer
Western Cape Education Department
Tel: 076 175 0663