The deputy minister of Education, Dr Mimmy Gondwe, stormed the offices of a traditional medicine school in Queen Street in Ladysmith today.

Northern Natal News reports that, when the minister arrived at the offices, there was one man working, but he couldn’t provide adequate answers when questioned. He was instructed to call the ‘director of the school’.

The ‘director’ was put on loudspeaker and the deputy minister asked him why he was operating illegally.

He replied that he had started the process and was awaiting a response from the department, which was found not to be true. It was discovered that qualifications such as diplomas, degrees and PhDs were not registered with the South African Qualifications Authority, meaning they were all fake.

When asked where he conducts classes – the premises being a small, dark office – he replied that his classes are only offered online.

The school has about 150 enrolled students, each paying a minimum of R8 500.

Gondwe ordered the school to close down immediately, before going to open a case at Ladysmith Police Station.

The deputy minister’s visit marks a significant step in strengthening community awareness, promoting institutional accountability, and ensuring that learners are guided towards accredited and credible post-school opportunities.

Also part of the operation were officials from the SAPS, the South African Qualifications Authority, the Department of Labour, and Alfred Duma Local Municipality.

Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.

Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.