GDE reduces waiting list by 18 000 learners in two days
The department has been inundated with first-time applications.
ACCORDING to the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE), about 58 000 learners had not yet been placed in schools by January 9. As of midday on January 10, 18 000 more learners had been placed, reducing the total number of unplaced learners to 40 000.
The GDE stated it is working hard and assures parents that their children will be placed in a Gauteng school.
Head of communication for the GDE Oupa Bodibe said the delay in completing placement can be attributed to the following factors:
• Gauteng faces a shortage of schools and a rising demand for placement, which is why many parents who applied early could not be placed.
• Parents applied late, after the deadline of June 1, last year.
• Schools could not update the online system due to the December holidays.
However, the GDE is pleased to report that the majority of parents who used the online system secured placement for their children.
“It is important for parents to note that schools in Johannesburg South are at capacity. We will however endeavour to place learners in other schools and parents are urged to accept offers of placement in the proposed schools,” said Bodibe.
He added that the department has been inundated with first-time applications and that districts have set up operational centres in various schools across Gauteng to assist parents with placements.
“While all efforts will be made to place all learners, priority will be given to parents who utilised the online system.
“We extend our apologies to parents, especially those who applied early, for the frustration caused by the delay in placement,” said Bodibe.
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