THE owner of an online learning institution has hit back at claims that matriculants lost a year after being unable to sit for their final exams after finding out that the institution was not registered with the Department of Education (DOE).

Also read: In pics: Matric learners elated at results

Keystone Education is owned by Stephen Russell of Amanzimtoti and has been in operation for the past eight years. It claims to offer fully compliant learning solutions for grades R to 12, in line with South African curriculum standards.

Parents of learners registered at Keystone Education shared their sentiments in a public Facebook group, alleging that over the past few years, they were duped into believing that the institution was legit. Some have gone a step further and hired a private investigator to build a case against Russell.

Alexia Zima said she and other parents enrolled their children in 2024 and were promised that their children would be registered to write national senior certificate examinations at the end of the year, and paid R2 100 on top of the monthly fees.

“At the end of the year, we found out that children had not been registered to write and that Keystone Education is not registered as an education entity with any of the departments. The children’s passing grades were not submitted to the department either,” said Zima.

Also read: Umbumbulu matriculants secure medical school placements

Another parent, Anesca Kroukamp, a mother of twins in matric, said her children were also registered at Keystone Education last year and she found out in June that it was not registered.

“My children lost a year and are only writing this year. That guy is a scammer. I don’t understand how he’s still operating this fake school. He owes me R17 000 and when I asked for my money back, I was put in contact with his attorney. I’m still waiting for my money. I went to small claims court but I need his address. He blocked me so I don’t have any way of contacting him any more,” said Kroukamp.

When contacted, Russell said Keystone Education is a fully online curriculum provider, not a school. He said all parents are told that from the beginning.

“We’ve never called ourselves a school because we are not one, and we are not registered with the Department of Education. We offer lessons but as we tell parents, it is their responsibility to register their children for exams,” said Russell.

Asked if any cases have been opened by parents, he said he is not aware of any.

The SUN has seen a Facebook post by private investigator Brad Nathanson, calling those who paid exam registration fees to Keystone Education to contact him.

DOE spokesperson, Muzi Mahlambi, said parents should ensure that the institutions they register their children in are fully accredited by the department.

Do you have more information pertaining to this story? Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom at 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.