Key Operational Aspects of South African Academies

Registration and Regulation: All academies, whether private schools or training colleges, must be registered with the relevant provincial education department or Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) and adhere to national norms and standards.

Curriculum: While they may have some flexibility in their methods, they must generally provide an education of a quality not inferior to public schools and often follow the national curriculum (CAPS) or accredited programmes.

Funding: They operate primarily at their own expense through tuition fees, although independent academies may be eligible for a state subsidy if they meet specific requirements. They often need to ensure diversified funding sources for sustainable growth.

Governance: Academies are self-governing, often run by a board of directors or a trust, responsible for quality of education, financial management, employing staff, and complying with all applicable laws.

Staffing: Educators employed at these institutions must be registered with the South African Council for Educators (SACE), which promotes professional development and maintains ethical standards.

Specialised Focus: Some academies offer specialized training, such as Khoisan Hessequa Skills Development which focuses on accredited draughting courses, or sports academies that work within a strategic framework for sports, occupational and skills development.

Oversight and Accountability: They are subject to oversight and evaluation by trans-border accreditation to ensure compliance with standards. For example, independent schools must undergo whole-school evaluation, and training providers need to be accredited for specific programmes.