The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) appeals to parents to accept offers of placement at available schools.
Steve Mabona, GDE spokesperson said in the latest statement issued on Tuesday, “Compared to the 2018 academic year when 321 910 applications were received by Day 8, a total of 323 127 applications were received by the same time in the 2019 academic year.
“This reflects 1 217 additional applicants in 2019. Thus, the Department receives a steady annual increase in learner numbers, which has resulted in overcrowding in some schools. Most schools have accepted more than five additional learners per class.”
Steve added that as at 18 January 2019, they had received 40 304 late applications, which were placed upon application.
“Of these, 17 686 late applicants confirmed placement by submitting documents, while 22 618 late applicants have to date not done so. The 22 618 late applicants that did not submit their documents forfeited their placement offers at noon (midday) on Friday, 18 January 2018. Applicants will be placed as they report to schools.
“The Department received a total of 282 823 early applications for the 2019 academic year. With 45 days (including public holidays and weekends) after late applications commenced, an average of 10 schools reached capacity per day.”
Steve said the following districts have less than 10 secondary schools with available space; namely Ekurhuleni North – 1; Gauteng East – 4; Sedibeng East – 8; Gauteng West – 6; Johannesburg Central – 5; Johannesburg West – 1; Gauteng North – 5; Tshwane North – 8; Tshwane South – 1; Tshwane West – 1.
“Most parents are refusing placement at these schools while the Johannesburg East, Johannesburg North and Johannesburg South districts have zero schools with available space.
“Johannesburg Central reported possible overcrowding by a total of 230 primary school learners (Grades 1 to 7) in the Southern suburbs and Eldorado Park, as well as 273 secondary school learners (Grades 8 to 12) in Eldorado Park (69) and Lenasia (204).”
Steve concluded that the Department will continue to attempt to persuade parents to keep learners at schools where they are currently registered while emergency cases are prioritised.
• Details: Contact the GDE call centre on 0800 000 789 or send an email to admissions.hotline@gauteng.gov.za.
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