The schools, which are known to Midrand Reporter and Umalusi, have been approached for comment and claim they are now in the process of being accredited. Speaking on behalf of Umalusi, Eugenie Rabe said by law, it is compulsory for schools to be accredited. Rabe said there are two processes that a private or independent school needs to comply with.
“Private Schools have to be registered with the Provincial Department of Education, which provides the school with the license to operate in South Africa; and accreditation with Umalusi, which attests to the quality of the provision offered at the school.”
While a school may be registered, and is not operating illegally, it does not mean the tuition meets the quality standards set by Umalusi. “Some of the registered, but unaccredited, schools operate from unsuitable premises that are not zoned for schooling. Parents should therefore carefully consider when enrolling their children in such schools as the quality may be questionable,” said Mabe.
Mabe stated that Umalusi and the Department of Education are working at closing the gap between the two processes. However, all independent schools are legally bound to apply for accreditation with Umalusi.
When Umalusi finds out that an independent school is not accredited, an investigation takes place and the school is made aware of the requirements. If the school does not respond within a reasonable time and does not apply for accreditation, Umalusi approaches the Department of Education to de-register the school.
Do you know of any schools that are not accredited in Midrand? Let us know in the comments section below.
