All learners will be placed in schools before January 17

MEC for Education in Gauteng, Panyaza Lesufi has assured parents that the somewhat 17 000 learners that still needs to be placed in schools will indeed be placed.

These are learners whose parents did apply on time for their admission to Gauteng schools but are yet to be placed but the provincial department of education.

“Unfortunately, they have applied in high pressure areas where there is shortage of space. It should also be noted that many of these parents declined alternative offers of placement.

“We urge parents to accept offers of placement from schools with available space. Many of the schools in Gauteng are full and cannot accept any more learners.”

He said it is expected that some parents will apply for the first time as schools reopen. Such applicants will be placed where there is space.

Lesufi said 22 921 late applications were received towards the end of 2017‚ adding that to date 8 865 learners from this group have been placed leaving a balance of 14 056.

“Parents that still have admissions challenges are urged to visit any of the admission centres on January 13 and 14.

“The centres will operate from 8am to 5pm. Officials from the Department will assist to place the unplaced learners and attend to all parents applying for the first time,” said Lesufi.

“Officials at the admission centres will record the new applications and submit to head office for aggregation. However, due to the additional financial cost of accepting additional learners, the Gauteng Department of Education has to consult with the Provincial Treasury to provide additional financial resources.

“Parents applying late will be notified in due course on the status of their application.”

He said the department is happy with the progress made in placing learners whose parents applied online for Grades 1 and 8 for the 2018 school year.

For more information, visit www.education.gpg.gov.za.