Umalusi does not register new independent schools
Umalusi is often inundated with queries from members of the public regarding the registration of new independent schools. It is important for prospective owners of independent schools to note that there is a difference between the registration and accreditation of independent schools. Similarly, prospective owners of independent schools must know where to obtain information regarding the two processes. As the Quality Council for General and Further Education and Training, Umalusi is only responsible for the accreditation (not registration) of private education institutions offering qualifications registered on the General and Further Education and Training Qualifications sub-framework.
Accreditation attests to the capacity of a private education institution to offer the qualification at the required standard. In contrast, registration entails a process that independent schools must undertake with provincial departments of education (PDEs) in order to operate in South Africa in accordance with the requirements of the Constitution of South Africa and the South African Schools Act, No 84 of 1996. Umalusi accredits independent schools to offer the National Curriculum Statement (NCS) leading to the National Senior Certificate (NSC).
This means that all independent schools offering the NCS in grades 1 to 12 must firstly apply for registration with the relevant PDE and later apply for accreditation with Umalusi. Therefore, an independent school can only be allowed to operate if it has obtained the initial registration status from the office of the Head of Department of a PDE. Thus all queries pertaining to the registration process must be directed to the relevant PDE.
It is also worth noting that independent schools that fail to meet accreditation requirements after evaluation by Umalusi are reported to the Head of Department of the relevant PDE for subsequent closure. The CEO of Umalusi, Dr Mafu Rakometsi, conveyed the following message to owners of private education institutions, “people who want to register new independent schools must approach the provincial department of education within the province where they want to establish a school and familiarise themselves with the application requirements for registration. Furthermore, they must only knock on Umalusi’s door at the time of applying for accreditation.”
Enquiries:
Lucky Ditaunyane
Senior Manager: Public Relations and Communications
E-mail: lucky@umalusi.org.za
Tel: 012 349 1510 x 208
Cell: 083 227 6074
