The GDE has today issued notices in terms of section 47 of the South African Schools Act (SASA), for the closure of Ekukhanyeni –Ramaphosa and Ekukhanyeni – Denver schools. We will be convening meetings with affected learners and parents next week to offer them alternative placement in state schools.
Our immediate focus will be on the grade 12s in both schools who can be accommodated in the matric revision camps that we are running in the province to consolidate matric learning. This decision follows an exposé in Lead SA and Talk Radio 702 of alleged embezzlement of subsidy money allocated to the school by GDE.
This money was allocated in terms of section 48 of SASA, which enables the GDE to support learning programmes in independent (private) schools in socially deprived communities.
The GDE welcomes the arrest of Rev Mabaso, a board member of Ekukhanyeni independent schools by the Hawks commercial crime unit yesterday. The GDE pledges to give this unit any and every support that will ensure the successful prosecution and imprisonment of the alleged perpetrators.
To this end, we yesterday appointed Mr George Fivaz, to undertake an extensive review of our systems, internal controls, and rules relating to the subsidisation of independent schools.
Enquiries:
Charles Phahlane
Tel: (011) 355 1530
Cell: 071 860 4496
Gauteng Education shuts down Ekukhanyeni Private schools following expose of corruption
Province
