News
Gauteng education sounds alarm over illegal schools targeting desperate parents
As the new school year settles into its rhythm, many Gauteng parents are still scrambling to secure places for their children. It is in this pressure-packed moment that the Gauteng Department of Education says a worrying trend is gaining ground. Illegal and unregistered schools are quietly opening their doors, promising learning opportunities that may never count.
The department has issued a clear warning to parents and guardians to be extra cautious. Choosing the wrong school, even with the best intentions, could leave children locked out of the formal education system altogether.
Why unregistered schools are a serious problem
According to the department, schools that are not legally registered do not form part of the official education framework. This means pupils attending them are not captured on the Education Management Information System, which is the backbone of how learners are tracked, funded, and supported.
In practical terms, this has long-term consequences. Reports issued by illegal schools are not recognised and cannot be transferred to legitimate schools. If a child later needs to move, they may be forced to repeat grades or struggle to re-enter the system at all.
There is also no guarantee around teacher qualifications or curriculum standards. Without proper oversight, learners often fall behind academically, creating gaps that can follow them for years.
A familiar panic at the start of every year
Education officials say the rise in illegal schools is most noticeable at the start of the school calendar. This is when placement pressure is at its highest and families are most vulnerable to empty promises.
On social media, frustrated parents have shared stories of being turned away from full schools, while others warn of WhatsApp flyers and posters advertising “instant placement” schools operating from homes or rented buildings. The department has stressed that convenience should never outweigh legality.
How parents can protect their children
The message from the Gauteng Department of Education is simple. Always verify a school’s registration status before enrolling a child. Parents who are unsure can contact the department directly via its contact centre or WhatsApp query line for confirmation.
Officials say this small step can prevent years of disruption and heartbreak later on.
A national concern beyond Gauteng
The issue is not confined to one province. In KwaZulu-Natal, the MEC for Education has also raised the alarm about bogus and fly-by-night institutions. These operations often target vulnerable families with promises of guaranteed results, quick qualifications, or certificates that hold no official value.
The KwaZulu-Natal education department has urged parents and pupils to verify institutions through district offices and has committed to taking firm action against illegal operators. Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspicious schools to their nearest education office.
Choosing safety over shortcuts
With education shaping so much of a child’s future, officials across provinces are calling on parents to slow down and double-check. A legal, registered school may feel harder to secure, but it offers something illegal institutions can never. Recognition, accountability, and a real pathway forward.
Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter, TikT
For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com
Source: The Citizen
Featured Image: The South African
