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By Sihle Mlambo 
9h ago
Johannesburg: Undocumented teachers were questioned Thursday after Gauteng’s MEC of Education, Panyaza Lesufi, closed schools that were allegedly operating illegally.
The Gauteng Department of Education had received complaints that Wisdom English Private School in Ivory Park, Ekurhuleni, and True Grace Christian School in Ebony Park, east of Johannesburg, were operating illegally because they were not registered with the provincial education authority.
Lesufi came to the schools with provincial education officials and law enforcement officials, who subsequently brought in several teachers for questioning.
Teachers are alleged to operate illegally without the credentials required by the South African Board of Education and without work permits.
Principals could also find themselves in trouble for hiring teachers without the competency certificates required by law.
“On inspection, Wisdom English Private was found to be operating four different locations in Ivory Park.
“Some educators failed to produce legal identification documents and documents that would comply with the SA Board of Educators, which is a requirement for an educator to teach students in all of our schools.
“These educators were taken to the local police station for questioning. The principals of both schools were also brought to the police station for necessary questioning regarding a possible violation of immigration law, ”said Steve Mabona, spokesman for the Gauteng Department of Education.
The MEC has given provincial education officials 48 hours before a decision on schools is made.
He also expressed concern about the conditions in which the schools were located, saying they were not conducive to teaching or learning.
“It is sad and disappointing to indicate that True Grace Christian School was among the schools that closed in 2019 and sadly they multiplied at a new location that was supposedly built two weeks ago.
“Departmental officials have started a desk process to find a location for all affected students in the event these schools are closed.
“Necessary commitments will be facilitated with all affected parents to guide our intervention,” Mabona said.
MESS
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