Classroom capacity in high-pressure zones to be increased by Gauteng Education
JOHANNESBURG – MEC for Education Panyaza Lesufi further said the Department of Education was initiating the process of merging single-medium schools with low learner enrolments, to open English medium schools in high-pressure zones.
To deal with the high influx of learners at public schools in Gauteng, the Department of Education will erect mobile classrooms in schools situated in high-pressure zones, said Lerato Mailoane on behalf of the South African Government.
Addressing the media on how the department is dealing with learner placement for 2020 academic year, MEC for Education Panyaza Lesufi said the department has, to date, placed 267 611 (94.63 per cent of) applicants which reflect an increase of 3 859 placements.
“The remaining 14 617 applicants are still to receive placement offers and must be placed by the 30 November 2019 deadline,” said Lesufi.
According to Mailoane, Lesufi said the department would also partner with independent schools to accommodate excess learners from public schools accordingly, in consultation with respective parents.
“In addition, the department will introduce English and Afrikaans as the language of teaching and learning (LoTL) in the under-subscribed township schools. The said schools would be assisted to acquire the necessary educators that have qualifications and proficiency to teach in the required LoTL,” said Mailoane.
Lesufi added that the department was initiating the process of merging single-medium schools with low learner enrolments, to open English medium schools in high-pressure zones.
“During the online admissions application period which started on 20 May 2019 to 22 July 2019, the department received a total of 310 350 applications. Of these, 27 563 applicants have not submitted the required documents, while 282 787 applicants have submitted the documents,” said Mailoane.
“We are undoubtedly working diligently, ensuring that schools increase their classroom capacity to accommodate additional unplaced learners by 30 November. Parents are therefore urged to accept offers given or immediately object if not suitable so that those rejected offers can be given to other applicants. Nevertheless, our main objective is ensuring that no learner is without a school,” said MEC Lesufi.
Mailoane added that a parent that does not prefer the offer of placement given, should lodge an objection with the district office. Objection forms are available at district offices. Should the parent remain dissatisfied with the outcome of the objection, they may complete an appeal form which is also available at district offices.
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