Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
THE Beitbridge Municipality has issued a stern warning to owners of unregistered schools in the town, ordering them not to open for the new school term until they regularise their operations with the local authority and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.
In a public notice issued on Wednesday, the municipality said it will soon roll out a joint enforcement blitz with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to shut down all illegal schools operating within its jurisdiction.
The move follows numerous complaints from residents over the mushrooming of bogus schools in residential areas, with some pupils reportedly failing to sit for public examinations due to the unregistered status of the institutions.
Authorities estimate that there are more than 20 unregistered private schools operating in Beitbridge’s old and new suburbs.
“Notice is hereby given to owners or administrators of unregistered schools that the Municipality of Beitbridge, with the support of the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, will soon commence an enforcement operation to register schools,” read the notice.
“It has come to our attention that there is a proliferation of unregistered ECD centres, private colleges and independent schools within our jurisdiction.
“These institutions are operating without official registration from the parent ministry, approved health and safety inspections, valid town planning approvals for the premises, and operating licences.”
Beitbridge district currently has over 70 registered primary schools and 18 registered secondary schools.
The local authority urged owners of unregistered educational institutions not to open in the upcoming term until all regulatory requirements have been met.
Parents and guardians were also strongly advised to ensure that their children are enrolled at properly registered schools that comply with education, health and safety regulations.
The municipality warned that some unregistered private schools compromise the safety and well-being of children, noting that enrolment at registered institutions guarantees education standards that meet both local and national requirements.
“The local authority and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education will conduct a thorough blitz to shut down illegal schools,” the municipality said.
