Chaos erupted at the Department of Basic Education district offices in Sandton earlier today, 3 November, after scores of parents, who were hoping to find placements for their children for the 2020 academic year were not assisted.
It is said that the delay was due to a slow system that has forced some parents to lose patience and abandon the process. Long queues can be seen snaking from the offices to Elizabeth Avenue.
Some parents said they were at the offices on Thursday and Friday (31 October and 1 November) but were told to fill in the register and return today, 3 November.
MEC for Education and Youth Development in the Gauteng Province, Panyaza Lesufi has called for calm and urged parents not to assault officials who are trying to help.
“The problem is that our staff members were intimidated and in some instances attacked. We’ve to persuade them to go back to work,” alleged Lesufi.
We’re fully aware of what’s happening at our district offices. Our sincere apologies, we are getting extra staff members to support us. Unfortunately being a Sunday, we don’t have a full compliment of staff members but we are attending to the situation. I’m on my way to districts
— Panyaza Lesufi (@Lesufi) November 3, 2019
Nomvuselelo Nyangwa, a parent of a Grade 1 learner, told Alex News that she has been issued with forms numerous times. She said she applied in May when the placement process opened and was told everything was fine until she discovered in October that in fact her child had not been placed.
Dear Parents, kindly take note:
Assaulting our officials who are trying to assist, with placements can’t be tolerated. We’ve persuaded union members not to pull out their members from our district offices however if a single official is attacked we will withdraw the service— Panyaza Lesufi (@Lesufi) November 3, 2019
Lesufi said the majority of their ‘good schools’ are full and they are trying to find proper alternatives however there will be no learner without a school. “Be assured.”
https://twitter.com/Nontee_P/status/1190908966299148293?s=20
Have you seen the videos of what is happening at the districts? pic.twitter.com/kfG2mKvLqj
— Nomhle wa le Downs 👆🏾 (@nsambocca) November 3, 2019
Lesufi alleged the the problem was that their staff members were intimidated and in some instances attacked. “We’ve to persuade them to go back to work. We’re trying to resolve the impasse as soon as possible. The major problem is parents who didn’t accept offers and those who didn’t submit documentation,” added Lesufi.
Related article:
