Pretoria - The Gauteng Education Department has shut down an illegal school operating at the Central Methodist Church in Small Street.
The school was operating in contravention of government policy as the venue was not conducive to learning and teaching, with adults living and sleeping on the premises throughout the day.
"Teaching was taking place in church pews, four different classes conducted in one room, there were no chalkboards or teaching aids, and health and safety was compromised. Educators were also not registered with the South African Council of Educators (SACE)," said department spokesperson Charles Phahlane.
Phahlane said when the department team visited the site this week, it discovered 232 learners were attending classes, most of them from Zimbabwe.
The school operates the Cambridge Curriculum and some learners were currently writing Cambridge O and A level exams.
As from today, learners will be transported and accommodated at the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre for daily lessons until the end of the year to allow them to be fully compliant, the department will also provide alternative tuition until the teachers are registered by SACE.
The department has urged public who are aware of any illegally operating school in Gauteng to report it on 011 355 0216 or gdemedia@gauteng.gov.za.
