Education thrives on trust and community support, yet recent revelations about President Park Combined School have raised significant concerns.
The Gauteng Department of Education (DOE) has confirmed that the school is not registered as an independent school and is operating illegally. This revelation follows allegations from a parent whose child was allegedly expelled for late fee payments.
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The parent, who wishes to remain anonymous, expressed concern about the principal’s alleged practice of expelling learners for ‘unreasonable reasons’. “She [the principal] judges who pays and who does not pay. I have always paid, but if I miss a month or two, my child suffers. They even make them kneel down.”
This parent noted that her child is not the only one facing expulsion, as the school has previously expelled others. “It is almost the end of the year, and like other children who were expelled, I have nowhere to enrol my child now. They even removed me from group chats.”
Another parent, a former teacher at the school, shared her experience of having her children expelled. “I taught at President Park Combined School while my children attended there. After I informed the principal I would not be coming to work for a few days, my children were told not to return due to unpaid fees, despite my prior communication about payment arrangements. They were expelled just two weeks before the June exams.”
Parents were also concerned that the school might be operating illegally as some families pay fees while others do not.
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The Midrand Reporter reached out to the DOE for clarification regarding the matter and the Education Management Information Systems (EMIS) number.
DOE spokesperson Steve Mabona confirmed the school’s illegal status, stating that officials were dispatched to conduct an investigation, with results to be shared later.
Mabona explained that anyone wishing to start a private school must apply to the Provincial Department of Education and the Independent Schools Directorate for approval before operating. This process requires a year of preparation and compliance with registration requirements, including zoning and health certificates. After thorough assessments, the department issues an EMIS certificate, which confirms the school’s legitimacy.
“If a school lacks an EMIS certificate that matches its address, parents should recognise it as operating illegally,” Mabona added. “Parents and community members are encouraged to request EMIS letters during admissions to verify the legitimacy of these schools.”
In response, principal and cofounder Thinandavha Lilly Nengobela acknowledged that the school does not yet have an EMIS number but is in the process of registration.
She explained that the school, which opened last year, had to relocate and that she takes responsibility for the lack of information regarding venue changes. “Last year, we only had grades R, 1, and 2, but this year demand increased significantly, with many local children needing education. The claims of expulsion are untrue,” she stated.
Nengobela emphasised that the school was founded by qualified teachers including her to assist the community, initially as a non-profit organisation before transitioning to President Park Combined School.
She confirmed that the registration process is ongoing and that the department has met with them to discuss required submissions.
Currently, the school serves approximately 140 learners and employs about ten teachers.
Nengobela clarified that parents are not forced to pay fees, contributions are intended for school development.
“We do not expel children especially for not paying fees. We have not expelled any child from the school.”
Regarding the teacher who alleged dismissal, Nengobela stated that the teacher took time off without notifying the school, leaving them no choice but to terminate her employment.
“However, we have never expelled any child, our goal is to help learners, including those expelled from other institutions, by bringing them back to school.”
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