A Lesson in Deception: Glenferness Parents Betrayed by Unregistered School

For any parent, choosing a school is an act of profound trust. You believe in the promise of a quality education, a safe environment, and a valid certificate at the end of the journey. For dozens of families in the Glenferness area, that trust has been shattered.

The Gauteng Department of Education has confirmed a disturbing truth: Arden Academy, a school founded by Leandra Van der Veen, is operating completely outside the law. It is not registered, nor has it ever applied for registration. In the eyes of the law, it does not exist as a legitimate institution.

“Any school operating without registration must cease operations as it is unlawful,” stated Steve Mabona, a spokesperson for the department. The consequences for the children are dire. “Any child enrolled in an illegally operating school is in danger of having his or her educational rights violated,” Mabona explained. “The curriculum offered in these schools is not recognised, and any reports they issue are not valid.”

A Web of Misrepresentation and Broken Promises

The situation unraveled through the testimony of Anthony and Wendy Roux, former business partners of Van der Veen. They allege that the school’s founder knowingly misled parents for years, creating the impression that registration was “in process” when it was not.

Their own daughter was a student, and what they discovered was alarming. “She told us they were in the process of registering, but that wasn’t true,” Wendy Roux, a qualified teacher, revealed. “Our child’s books weren’t marked, the teachers weren’t SACE-registered, and the curriculum was unclear. We realised she was lying to us.”

The Rouxs cut ties within three months, but the school allegedly continued to operate with about 60 learners across various age groups, taught by unqualified staff.

A Founder in Hiding, A Community Left Holding the Bag

When confronted with direct questions, Van der Veen declined to answer. Instead, she directed all inquiries to her attorney, in what appears to be an attempt to shield herself from accountability. Complicating matters further, she has reportedly relocated to Australia while continuing to enroll learners remotely.

Anthony Roux, who holds a R3.9 million mortgage on the property, shed light on the financial and regulatory quagmire. He refused to consent to the rezoning needed for registration, alleging Van der Veen still owes him millions. He also pointed out that the necessary infrastructure changes to meet registration standards would be prohibitively expensive.

A Vital Warning for All Parents

This case serves as a critical warning for every parent considering a private or independent school. The allure of small classes and alternative education must be balanced with rigorous due diligence.

The Department of Education has a simple but essential recommendation: before enrolling your child, always request to see the school’s EMIS certificate. This document is the official proof that a school is properly registered and compliant with South African law.

The closure of Arden Academy is a tragedy for the families involved, whose children now face an uncertain academic future. It is a stark reminder that when it comes to education, the promise of a classroom is meaningless without the backing of the law.

{Source: Citizen}

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