The problem of illegal businesses, and especially illegal schools, operating in Bloubosrand is a more prevalent issue than many residents know.
For this reason, an oversight visit was conducted by the Shadow MEC for Education, Khume Ramulifho on September 11.
This follows a fire at Boipuso Primary School, which saw an investigation by the Department of Education and issuing a notice of closure to the school as it was not registered correctly. Joburg EMS placed tape over the school’s gates on the day of the fire on August 29 and it was closed. Yet it re-opened a week later, operating illegally.
Also read: WATCH: Illegal school in Bloubosrand is closed after fire
Ramulifho was joined by Douglasdale Community Policing Forum chairperson, Lizzy Mabena, Ward 115 councillor, Mark van der Merwe, DA provincial spokesperson, Sergio dos Santos, and a resident who did not wish to be named for fear of victimisation.
They visited Boipuso Primary School and four other schools in the area whose premises were not correctly zoned, had fake documents and/or did not have valid registration with the department. Businesses also operating illegally in Bloubosrand are also known to the group and they plan to take action.
“There are so many illegal businesses in the area and we have been complaining to the department for some time,” Van der Merwe said. Mabena added that many of the schools were overcrowded and dirty and had no running water or plans in place for emergencies.
Ramulifho said it was also a concern because these illegal schools were not following the curriculum specified by the department. “We need to protect the interests of parents and learners who are spending a lot of money [on these illegal schools],” he said.
Boipuso’s principal, who only gave this publication his first name, Asher, and refused to provide his surname, said he would respond to questions about the school’s legality and cleanliness by September – but he never did. All attempts by this publication to secure comment from him since then have been met with refusal and threats. The latest attempt, made on September 12, was no different.
The Department of Education spokesperson Steve Mabona confirmed to Randburg Sun that the school was illegal, was issued with a notice of closure and ‘affected learners were offered placement in public schools and registered independent schools in their respective areas’.
Further comment has been requested from him as to whether this notice of closure would be enforced now that the school has re-opened.
