GAUTENG MEC for Education Panyaza Lesufi confirmed that Gauteng schools are ready for the academic year. Schools re-opened on Wednesday January 13.
In a media briefing, held at 111 Commissioner Street, Johannesburg, he said the Gauteng schools are geared to start with teaching and learning on January 13. “Most learners that required admission, especially Grade One and Eight, have been placed. Learning and teaching material has been delivered to a majority of schools. Additional furniture has been delivered where it is most needed. Several new and refurbished schools including schools for learners with special needs, will open their doors. Transport and nutrition will be provided to those learners that deserve support,” he said.
Though there are still 16 864 learners who have not been place due to late applications, relocations, lack of space in the schools and influx form other provinces, the MEC said all learners will be kept inside the school premises. “We will try to accommodate these learners, I can say by mid-February all these learners will be allocated in the schools around Gauteng. As a department we want to thank all the parents who applied on time, their children are already placed,” explained MEC Lesufi.
He also mentioned that district directors will continue to explore and use all options to seek placement for these learners. The parents are urged to contact the relevant district for assistance. The department will try to accommodate learners who have not been placed, where possible by means of two shifts of schooling; the use of schools halls, community schools and other open and available space.
