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Close to 750 learners are still unplaced for the 2019 school year, the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) confirmed on Wednesday, 7 November.
“We can confirm that by Monday, 5 November, about 257 648 learners were placed (136 739 Grade 1s and 120 909 Grade 8s). It is unfortunate that we have about 748 unplaced learners due to schools having reached capacity, especially in the Johannesburg Central, Johannesburg East and Tshwane South Districts. Nonetheless, these Districts are in communication with the relevant parents to secure alternative placements,” said Steve Mabona, GDE spokesperson.
Steve added that during the online application period for the 2019 learner intake (16 April 2018 to 28 May 2018), the GDE received a total of 282 823 applications, of which 149 461 were Grade 1 and 133 362 were Grade 8 applications.
“Districts are continuing to assist parents who have not submitted documents by allocating schools with available space. Parents are directed to submit the required documents at identified schools.
“The Department is aware that some parents are visiting our District offices to enquire about late registration. Parents must note that the system will only open for Late Applications after all applicants who applied during the original application period are placed. The date will be announced in due course and only schools with available space will be listed on the system for Late Applications.”
According to Panyaza Lesufi, the Gauteng Education MEC, “We are aware that the process of waiting for placements is cumbersome and frustrating to parents and learners. We appeal for patience, as our officials are hard at work and committed to ensuring that all learners are placed.”
Parents are encouraged send their enquiries regarding the placement of their children to Admissions.Hotline@gauteng.gov.za.
Residents of Randfontein are invited to let us know if their children have not been placed by sending an email to randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za (please remember to include your contact details in the email) or phone us on 011 693 3671.
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