CPF will ensure illegal schools do not re-open
Mabena said that the CPF and local police will also collaborate with the relevant education authorities and regulatory bodies to ensure that all schools in the area meet the required standards and operate legally.
The Douglasdale CPF was one of several entities, including the Gauteng Department of Education, that participated in a recent blitz against illegal schools in Randburg.
Boipuso Primary School and Takani Primary School were two unregistered schools that were found to be operating illegally in Bloubosrand.
The schools had already been issued closure notices as of last year and were informed they may not reopen in 2024.
The Department of Education worked with the parents, who were called to relocate all learners to new schools in the surrounding areas.
Chairperson of CPF Lizzy Mabena explained that the state of the schools was very concerning, and these illegal schools were operating without the necessary licenses and accreditation from the Department of Education, some even operating with fraudulent documents – compromising the quality of education provided to the children.
“Two of these schools lacked proper facilities and employed unqualified teachers, putting the safety and wellbeing of the children at high risk. It is essential to ensure that all children have access to quality education in a safe and nurturing environment, and the closure of these schools is a step in the right direction by the Department of Education. “
No child was allowed to leave the schools until their parents had spoken to officials.
Mabena added that as Douglasdale CPF, their role in the blitz campaign was to collaborate with the local police and other relevant authorities.
“We worked together to gather information, conduct investigations, and report the findings to the appropriate authorities and ward councillor. We aimed to ensure that the illegal schools were identified, reported, and shut down following the law. We also supported the affected parents and learners, providing them with information and guidance on legal alternatives for education as shared by the department.”
Other entities that were present include the Department of Home Affairs, CoJ Building Control, CoJ Planning Department, CoJ Environmental Services, CoJ Social Services, CoJ Fire Department, JMPD, JMPD By-law Enforcement, Douglasdale police, Gauteng provincial police, Johannesburg district police, and Gauteng provincial crime wardens.
To ensure that these schools do not re-open, the CPF confirmed they will continue to work closely with the local police and other stakeholders.
“We will remain vigilant and proactive in monitoring any suspicious activities or attempts to establish illegal schools. We will encourage community members to report any information they may have regarding the re-opening of such schools. Additionally, we will advocate for stricter regulations and enforcement measures to prevent the re-establishment of illegal schools in the future.”
“Education is a crucial aspect of a thriving community, and we are committed to working together to ensure that all children in Bloubosrand have access to quality education within a safe and legal framework,” added Mabena.
The Gauteng Department of Education was approached for a comment on February 8 but had not responded at the time we went to print. The reply will be communicated to readers once it’s received.
Related Article: WATCH: Boipuso Primary School is just one of several illegal schools in Bloubosrand
