By Levy Masiteng
Gauteng has intensified its crackdown on illegally operating independent schools, with 32 schools served with closure letters since the beginning of the year and two school directors arrested.
The figures were revealed by Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Lebogang Maile during a media briefing on the state of independent schools in the province on Sunday.
According to the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE), officials visited 61 schools suspected of operating illegally between January and September 2026, with 32 subsequently served with closure letters.
“Between January and September 2026, 61 schools were visited and 32 were served with closure letters. Of the schools dealt with in 2026, seven were found to have ceased operating, four subsequently applied for registration with the department and two school directors were arrested,” Maile said.
The crackdown comes as Gauteng’s independent school sector continues to expand, with the province now having 1,083 registered and operational independent schools, up from 961 in 2021.
“The department does not regard the closure of an illegal school as the end of the matter because the learners still require education,” it said.
When an institution is found to be operating unlawfully, it is instructed to cease operating and the relevant closure process is followed.
The GDE said it does not simply shut down illegal schools without considering the learners affected.
Following a closure, the relevant education district is required to work with parents to place affected learners in lawful schools, ensuring that they do not lose access to education.
Maile said concerns about illegal schools could be raised by parents, community members or other government institutions.
“Officials then visit the premises and verify the institution’s registration and compliance documents before determining whether it is operating lawfully,” he added.
The department has urged parents to verify the registration status of independent schools before enrolling their children or paying fees.
“A school building, uniform, website or advertisement does not on its own prove that an institution is legally operating,” the department said.
Parents are advised to request the school’s Education Management Information System (EMIS) registration certificate and ensure that the EMIS number and physical address correspond with the school their children will attend.
“While GDE registration gives an independent school legal authority to operate, Umalusi accreditation relates to quality assurance for schools offering qualifications that fall within its mandate,” Maile said.
The issue has become increasingly significant as Gauteng’s independent school sector continues to grow.
Maile said the province had 1,083 operational independent schools in 2026, compared with 961 in 2021 — an increase of 122 schools over five years.
“These institutions currently educate 379,727 learners and employ 24,974 educators.”
However, the sector’s growth has also brought an increase in complaints from parents and learners.
Between 2024 and August 6, 2026, the department received 3,688 cases relating to independent schools.
Of these, 550 concerned registration, 518 involved outstanding fees linked to suspension or expulsion, and 422 related to outstanding fees and the withholding of transfer certificates or learner reports.
“The department also received 458 disciplinary and bullying cases, 345 admission or refusal-to-re-enrol cases and 312 curriculum and assessment queries,” Maile added.
“The government has a responsibility to ensure that its processes are applied consistently and transparently.”
The department said it monitors registration, governance, financial management, teaching and learning, learner and educator attendance, safety and examination requirements.
Independent schools may also be subjected to unannounced departmental visits to monitor leadership, governance and curriculum delivery.
“Parents should check a school’s legal status before enrolling a child,” Maile said.
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