The Gauteng Department of Education said it’s stepping up oversight of independent schools, including action against institutions operating illegally, to ensure compliance with registration and safety.
MEC Lebogang Maile was briefing the media on Sunday on the broader state of independent schooling in the province, including government subsidies and accountability.
Maile said Gauteng currently has 279 subsidised independent schools.
He said while these institutions remain independently governed and managed, qualifying schools receive state funding under the Constitution and the South African Schools Act.
“Not every independent school qualifies for this support. The funding framework recognises that schools operate at different fee levels and serve different communities.
“Lower fee independent schools may, therefore, qualify for higher government support than schools charging significantly higher fees. This is an important distinction because public funding is not being provided to every independent school simply because it exists.”
Never miss a major story. Get breaking news and the latest developments from South Africa and beyond as they happen.
Puleng Maake
www.ewn.co.za
