The Gauteng Department of Education has investigated 61 schools suspected of operating illegally since January 2026 and issued closure notices to 32 institutions, raising concerns for parents making school placement decisions across the province. Education MEC Lebogang Maile disclosed the figures at a briefing on Sunday, 13 September, saying officials had visited schools to check their registration and compliance documents. The department says affected learners must be helped into legally operating schools, while parents should verify an independent school’s registration before paying fees or enrolling a child.