Deputy Minister of Education Dr Mimmy Gondwe stormed the offices of a traditional medicine school in Queen Street today (November 20).

Upon arrival at the offices, one male was found working, but couldn’t give adequate answers when questioned. He was instructed to call the ‘director of the school’.

The ‘director’ was put on loud speaker 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.

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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 R8500.

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, South African Qualifications Authority, Department of Labour, and Alfred Duma Local Municipality.

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