The Gauteng Department of Education stated that it continues to act decisively against illegal and unregistered schools that place learners’ safety, well-being, and future prospects at risk.

The department said the unlawful institutions often operate without proper accreditation, qualified educators, or adequate facilities and that they undermine the quality and credibility of education that learners receive.

The department added that it works closely with law enforcement agencies, the security cluster, and local ward councillors to prevent such schools from resurfacing under new names.

“Departmental officials also conduct periodic monitoring visits to previously affected areas to ensure compliance,” said the department.

The department also said it will continue to collaborate with municipalities, law enforcement agencies, and communities to ensure that unregistered and unsafe schools are identified and shut down promptly.

The department shared that regular stakeholder engagements and joint operations are conducted in areas where illegal schooling is prevalent and that community structures have also been established to serve as the department’s eyes and ears on the ground.

The department said that it has established dedicated hotline numbers and email contacts where parents and community members can verify the registration status of any school or report suspicious institutions.