The Gauteng Education Department says it is intensifying its crackdown on illegally operating independent schools across the province. Sixty-one schools suspected of operating unlawfully have been visited this year, with thirty-two served with closure letters. The department says the action is aimed at ensuring learners are placed in schools that are properly registered and meet the required standards. Education MEC Lebogang Maile was briefing the media in Johannesburg on the state of the independent schooling sector, including its growth, subsidies and regulation. Culvin Mabasa has the story…