daniel chigunweThupeyo Muleya
Beitbridge Bureau
Beitbridge stakeholders have praised the local municipality for initiating a crackdown on unregistered schools that have proliferated in the area, with some pupils unable to sit for public examinations due to the schools’ illegal status.
The local authority, in collaboration with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, began its enforcement drive against unregistered private schools yesterday.
Beitbridge district has 71 registered primary schools and 18 secondary schools, but it is believed that over 20 unregistered facilities are operating in Beitbridge town alone. n a statement, the municipality said it was concerned over the rise in unregistered private schools.
“The municipality and relevant stakeholders will conduct an exercise to eliminate unregistered schools. We strongly urge parents and guardians to ensure that their children are enrolled in registered schools that comply with all regulations. Some unregistered private schools compromise the well-being and safety of our children,” said the municipality.
“Choosing a properly registered school guarantees a standard of education that meets both local and national requirements. This will safeguard your child’s learning experience and future opportunities. Let’s work together to provide quality education for our children.”
Residents reported that pupils enrolled in unregistered schools had faced difficulties in registering for public examinations.
Mr Nqobile Ncube, a resident of Vhembe View suburb, voiced concerns about the quality of education at unregistered schools.
“Most of these schools, according to discussions with authorities, are either not registered at all or not fully compliant. For example, some have an ECD licence, but offer classes up to Form 4,” he said.
“My biggest concern lies in quality control and protection mechanisms. Who inspects and supervises these schools as they are not on the Ministry of Education database? Additionally, who vets their employees? We have heard stories of teachers blacklisted by the Ministry for offences like child abuse finding refuge in such schools, putting students at risk.”
Mr Ncube commended the municipality’s actions and suggested they publish a list of registered schools while shutting down the illegal and non-compliant ones.
Beitbridge West legislator Cde Thusani Ndou, who is also a member of the Parliamentary portfolio committee on education, acknowledged the shortage of schools due to the town’s growth.
He raised concern over the conditions at unregistered schools, including overcrowding, mixed classes, and limited ablution facilities.
Former Beitbridge Mayor Mr Munyaradzi Chitsunge said, “The issue of unregistered schools is a cause for concern. Parents should be aware that enrolling their children in unregistered schools can lead to serious consequences, especially if they later transfer to formal registered schools, where they may be downgraded to lower classes.”
He said it is often expensive for students at unregistered schools to register for public examinations.
“Some might not even write at all if the school heads are fraudsters, as was the case last year with pupils from a certain Harare school. In some instances, they might just lose money, as there may not be teachers to conduct lessons, making it a waste of money and time to send a child to an unregistered school.”
Ms Patience Moyo said the situation had spiralled out of control, with schools opening indiscriminately in the town, disregarding regulatory issues such as quality assurance, child safety, and the qualifications of teaching staff.
“This has become an insult to the education system and a disaster for children’s futures. Parents should demand to see registration papers whenever they seek enrolment and require these documents to be publicly displayed, just like other crucial documents such as ministry and school mission statements.”
daglous masveta
Online Reporter
