We previously reported that the MEC for Gauteng Education and Youth Development, Panyaza Lesufi, shut down 20 bogus schools in Ivory Park.
The children still do not have class and have spent the whole week without learning anything. The department said on Wednesday that an auditing process to determine where to place the affected pupils was continuing after they were removed from the illegal schools in Ivory Park on Monday.
The department’s spokesperson Steve Mabona said they would be providing the necessary support to affected pupils, including catch-up programmes.
Nearly 400 pupils have been affected.
One parent of a child in Grade 6 who spoke to KAE News on condition of anonymity was visibly disgruntled and frustrated about the Department’s “rushed” decision.
“Where are they going to place my child this late in the year. My child was doing well in this so called illegal school and was getting ready to do Grade 7 next year. The government schools don’t give proper education. I paid R4000,00 at the beginning of the year for my child’s education. What must happen now?.”
The Department through Mabona advised parents to lay criminal charges at the police station against the owners of the shut down schools.
“Parents can still move towards making sure that there is police involvement into how they will be claiming their money back from those owners.” said Mabona.
Community members who are aware of schools operating without the Department of Education registration are urged to report this to the Department.