Minister Mthethwa appeals to parents to be more vigilant in their kids' enrolment
The Minister of Police, Nathi Mthethwa, today applauded police on closing down various illegal institutions of learning as well as arresting the suspects around Gauteng.
Police last week conducted operations in Pretoria and Johannesburg for unregistered private Further Education and Training (FET) Colleges. They visited five institutions in Pretoria and out of the five only one was properly registered according to the Department of Higher Education database.
"These illegal 'institutions' have a detrimental effect on South Africa's education system but more importantly we view such practices as pure criminality.
"Such acts are unconstitutional and tantamount to thuggery and law enforcement agencies will be tough on these scoundrels, who are driven by greed and while robbing our children of a bright future," stated Minister Mthethwa.
The other four directors were arrested and detained at the Pretoria Central police station and they are expected to appear in court soon.
The four institutions and directors are: Victory Training College headed by director HM Mukasa who is a Ugandan citizen, Shepperd Academy headed by director LE Dolo a South African citizen, Health Academy Institution headed by director D Xcumalo also a South African citizen and lastly Central College of Business and Computer Studies headed by Director I Anye who is a Zimbabwean citizen.
In Johannesburg, police arrested one Mr F Thuri, a Nigerian citizen who owns Witwatersrand College of Commerce. When further questioned, police discovered that he owned 28 schools around South Africa. Investigations further revealed that each student pays R700 per month, which translates to R8 400 per annum.
During the seizures they obtained various certificates, computers, fax machines and exam results of various students. After the students "passed" their exams he issued them with false certificates which are not recognised by the Department of Higher Education.
"The suspects have contravened Further Education and Training Colleges Act of 2006 (Act 16 of 2006 Section 28 and Section 31 (3) of the Act and Regulation 12 (4) (b). Any person found guilty of contravening this act faces 10 years imprisonment or can be fined R250 000 or both," added Minister Mthethwa.
The minister called upon parents to be more cautious when enrolling their children.
"It is incumbent upon any parent or guardian to ensure they obtain prior proper information on any institution, more especially by verifying with the Department of Education when in doubt.
"The amount of money at some of these 'institutions' is ridiculous to say the least. We also make a clarion call to students to also assist their parents in thoroughly researching prior to enrolling."
In a week where President Jacob Zuma launched Child Protection Week, which coincided with the launch of the Children's Act, it is unfortunate that there are still elements that are hell bent on destroying children's education in this country.
Police will in the coming weeks and months visit all the private schools around the country to verify their status.
"As we demonstrated this past week, our operations will be intensified and those responsible will face the full wrath of the law," concluded the Minister.
For enquiries, please contact:
Zweli Mnisi
Cell: 082 045 4024
Issued by: Ministry of Police
23 May 2010
