Concerns raised about school in Birchleigh North operating illegally
A primary school has been flagged for allegedly being unregistered and having unqualified teachers.
Community members raised concerns that Blossom Primary School in Birchleigh North Ext 2, Kempton Park, operates illegally.
Former teacher Neliswa Khanyile claims the school is unregistered with the Department of Education and employs unqualified teachers.
Khanyile, who alleges she was unfairly dismissed, has taken her case to the CCMA.
“I am a qualified teacher, yet they did not pay me the agreed salary. Sometimes, the payments were late, and sometimes, I wasn’t paid at all,” said Khanyile.
“I believe I was unfairly dismissed, which is why I approached the CCMA.”
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When contacted, the school’s owner, pastor Given Mokgabudi, did not deny the allegations about unqualified teachers. He said the school only received accreditation from the Department of Education in September despite having operated since last year.
The Kempton Express obtained a document indicating that the school’s registration allows it to officially begin operations only in January 2025, meaning it is currently operating illegally.
The school reportedly has about 60 learners and seven classes taught by four teachers rotating across subjects.
Khanyile alleged only one teacher had a qualification, a claim Mokgabudi did not dispute.
The unqualified teachers include one who completed an online teaching course and another who previously worked only as a teaching assistant.
Mokgabudi asked another teacher to assist because of their association through church.
Khanyile also alleged discrepancies in pay, noting that unqualified teachers earn less than the qualified teachers and none receive payslips.
Additionally, a woman at the school is reportedly part of the school management, acting as principal, while Mokgabudi handles business affairs. She was confirmed to teach at another school, although Mokgabudi declined to disclose its name.
Further allegations state that the school enrols learners who are undocumented immigrants from Zimbabwe.
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According to Khanyile, the learners sometimes miss school, affecting their progress, yet the school management allegedly instructs teachers to ensure these learners pass.
Gauteng Department of Education spokesperson Steve Mabona confirmed that the department only became aware of the school when it applied for independent school registration and had no prior knowledge of these allegations.
He confirmed the document’s authenticity, which authorises the school to start operating in January 2025.
“We were not aware that the school was already operational. Now that it is registered, there will be no punishment, but it will be closely monitored to ensure compliance,” Mabona said.
Regarding the principal’s dual employment, Mabona said this arrangement depends on the contract between the employer and the employee.
He also clarified that schools enrolling undocumented learners are not penalised but advised to keep separate records, while parents are encouraged to seek proper documentation.
On employing unqualified teachers, Mabona said schools found in violation are served with an intention to withdraw their registration licenses.
“The schools get the opportunity to respond to these notices, during which they are closely monitored.”
