How to Avoid Bogus Schools in South Africa: A Guide for Parents and Guardians

To protect your child’s education and ensure they receive quality learning, parents must verify a school’s legitimacy before enrolling their child. This guide explains how to identify unregistered schools, conduct due diligence, and what to do if you suspect a school is operating illegally.

The Problem: Unregistered or “Bogus” Schools

Bogus schools operate without approval from the Department of Basic Education (DBE) or Umalusi, making them illegal. Many parents fall victim to these institutions due to false advertising, fake promises, and a lack of awareness about the risks.

Risks of Enrolling Your Child in an Unregistered School

• Invalid Qualifications: Any certificates or reports issued by these schools may be invalid, meaning students may not be able to progress to the next academic level or write recognised examinations.
• Poor Educational Standards: These schools often lack qualified teachers, proper facilities, and structured curriculums, leading to substandard education.
• Financial Loss: Parents pay expensive fees only to later discover that the school is not recognised. Many of these schools close suddenly, leaving families stranded.
• No Protection for Students: Without official oversight, students in these schools may be at risk of overcrowding and even unsafe learning environments.

Red Flags to Look Out for When Choosing a School

To avoid enrolling your child in a bogus or unregistered school, watch out for these warning signs:

1. No Proof of Registration

• A legitimate school should provide proof of registration from the Department of Basic Education (DBE) or Umalusi.
• If the school cannot provide an official certificate, consider it a major red flag.

2. No Proper Physical Address

• Many fraudulent schools operate from unapproved premises or frequently change locations.
• Always visit the school in person to confirm its facilities.

3. No Recognition from DBE or Umalusi

• If a school is not listed on the DBE or Umalusi websites, do not enroll your child until you confirm its status.
• Schools that are not registered for national examinations should also be avoided.

4. Poor Facilities and Learning Environment

• Many bogus schools operate in unsuitable buildings with overcrowded classrooms, no playgrounds, and limited learning resources.
• Lack of proper furniture, textbooks, and sanitation facilities is another warning sign.

5. Unqualified or Unregistered Teachers

• A legitimate school should only employ qualified and registered teachers.
• If teachers cannot provide proof of qualifications, the school may not be legitimate.

6. High Fees with No Transparency

• Be cautious of schools that demand full payment upfront without a clear refund policy.
• If fees are suspiciously low or extremely high without justification, do further checks.

7. No School Governing Body (SGB) or Parent Communication

• A registered school should have an active School Governing Body (SGB) to oversee policies.
• If the school does not allow parental involvement, this is a concern.

8. No Clear Curriculum or Examination Details

• The school should be in a position to give and overview of and explain its curriculum.
• A legitimate school should follow the CAPS (Curriculum Assessment Policy Statements), EIB (Independent Examination Board) or Cambridge Curriculum as set by DBE.

How to Do Due Diligence Before Enrolling Your Child

To ensure your child is in a legitimate and registered school, take the following steps:

1. Verify Registration with the DBE

All public and private schools in South Africa must be registered with the Department of Basic Education (DBE). You can:

• Visit your provincial DBE office and request confirmation of a school’s registration.
• Call the DBE helpline: 0800 202 933.
• Ask the school for a valid registration certificate.

2. Check Accreditation with Umalusi

Umalusi accredits independent (private) schools to ensure they meet education standards.

• Visit www.umalusi-online.org.za/enquiries.
• Search for the school’s name in the Umalusi database.
• If the school is not listed, investigate further before enrolling.

3. Confirm Examination Registration for High Schools

• A legitimate high school must be registered to offer National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations.
• Confirm that the school is linked to a recognised examination body before enrolling a high school student.

4. Visit the School in Person

• Always inspect the school’s facilities, classrooms, and security measures.
• Speak to current parents and students for feedback on the school’s reputation.

5. Request a Copy of the School’s Policies

• A good school should have a clear admissions policy, fee structure, refund policy, and disciplinary code.
• If the school refuses to provide these documents, be cautious.

6. Check Online Reviews and Reputation

• Look for Google reviews, social media pages, and complaints from other parents.
• Be wary of schools that change names frequently to avoid scrutiny.

What to Do If You Suspect a School is Bogus

If you believe a school is operating illegally, report it immediately to the relevant authorities.

1. Contact the Department of Basic Education (DBE)

• Call the DBE helpline: 0800 202 933.
• Visit the DBE’s website: www.education.gov.za.
• Report the school to your provincial DBE office.

2. Report to Umalusi

• If the school claims to be accredited by Umalusi but is not listed, report it to info@umalusi.org.za.
• Check accreditation status at www.umalusi-online.org.za/enquiries.

3. Notify the Police

• If you have paid fees to a bogus school or suspect fraud, report it to the South African Police Service (SAPS).
• Contact your local police station: You can report the incident to your nearest police station.
• SAPS Crime Administration System (CAS): The police official will register the case in the SAPS Crime Administration System (CAS) at the police station. 

Conclusion

Ensuring that your child attends a registered and accredited school is crucial for their academic success and future opportunities. Unregistered schools put children at risk by offering invalid qualifications, poor education standards, and financial exploitation.

To protect your child’s education, always:
✅ Verify registration with the DBE before enrolling.
✅ Check Umalusi’s database for accreditation.
✅ Confirm examination registration status for high schools.
✅ Conduct due diligence by visiting the school and checking policies.

By being informed and proactive, parents can ensure their children receive quality education in a legally recognised institution.

References

1. Department of Basic Education (DBE) – www.education.gov.za
2. Umalusi – Council for Quality Assurance in General and Further Education and Training – www.umalusi-online.org.za/enquiries
3. DBE Helpline – 0800 202 933
4. South African Police Service (SAPS) – www.saps.gov.za