07 Dec 2015

The Assistant Minister of Education and Skills Development , Mr Fidelis Molao says his ministry has a total of 116 private primary and secondary schools registered.

When answering a parliamentary question, Mr Molao said the schools are registered in accordance with the provisions of the Education act cap 58:01 part 3, section 13-27. He said the act allow schools to be registered as companies, societies, trusts or foundation.

Mr Molao noted that a sample of 19 schools shows their registration status as 14 for companies, three for societies and two for trust. He stated that the private primary and secondary schools are liable to pay rates to their local authorities and thus all the 19 sampled schools pay rates.

Mr Molao further explained that the Education Cap 58:01 part 3 requires that every private primary and secondary schools should have a grievance procedure. He said the grievance procedure should accommodate parents who would seek redress from the school management.

He also highlighted that all the 19 sampled schools have confirmed the presence of both structure and regulation for this purpose.

Mr  Molao was answering questions from the Member of Parliament for Mmadinare Mr Kefentse Mzwinila who had asked whether private primary and secondary schools are registered as companies, societies or trusts.

Mr Mzwinila also asked if the schools are subject to income tax, value added tax and if they are subject to rates as well as levies from the local authority.
He also asked if parents of students from these schools have a grievance procedure if they have any complaints to launch.  Ends