The start of the new school year in Rand West City on January 12 even drew the attention of Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga.
Motshekga visited three schools in Mohlakeng (Matlapaneng Primary, Mohlakano Primary and Phahama Secondary) as part of her national back-to-school campaign.
Besides conducting site inspections she also praised all schools for complying with Covid-19 protocols. Another purpose of the minister’s visit was to hand over items such as T-shirts and bags that were donated by Mr Price in partnership with the MTNSA Foundation.
We are quite excited that schools are reopening and are as ready as they could be. All the schools we visited were in a good state of readiness,” Motshekga said.
The minister added the department was pleased that the 2022 academic year was running smoothly so far and that everything was going according to plan.
According Hope Mokgathle, the minister’s spokesperson, the oversight visit was done so that the department could officially welcome school management teams, teachers and staff members; but most importantly the learners.
“These visits provide an opportunity to further support schools while strengthening efforts to mitigate risk within school communities. Schools are still expected to adhere to the Covid-19 protocols to ensure the safety of the learners and teachers as they return to school in 2022,” Mokgathle said.
No response was received from the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) after being asked how many learners have been placed within the West Rand District. In their latest statement issued on January 7, however, the GDE proudly announced that a total of 276 564 Grades 1 and 8 online admissions applicants have been placed successfully. The bad news was that over 1 000 applicants remained unplaced but the GDE said they were implementing means to provide the necessary support to schools to ensure that they are accommodated in due course.
In addition, GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona said, “We have transferred over R240 million to schools for the construction of classrooms. These funds will enable the construction of 229 classrooms in identified primary schools, and 270 classrooms in identified high schools.”
Parents and guardians wishing to receive assistance from the Department may either contact its call centre on 0800 000 789, send an email to gdeinfo@gauteng.gov.za or send a direct message on its respective social media platforms.
Parents and guardians may also contact their GDE District Office for assistance by using the following contact details:
• Johannesburg West director Vincent Ndhlovu on 071 559 5831
• Gauteng West director Oupa Koapeng on 072 693 2678
