Back to school gloom in Rand West City as parents queue at district office
Parents in Rand West City are agitated and were found standing in a queue for hours at the District Office.
Frustrated parents stood in a long queue outside the Gauteng West District Randfontein Office on January 15 to air their concerns.
With just two days to the start of the 2024 academic year (one day for some schools, given that many choose to have their grade ones begin on January 16), parents queued for hours to still get their children registered from the District.
The Herald arrived on the scene where one parent Thando Hlatshuayo explained, “We do not know what is going on. We have been standing here in the sun waiting for assistance. We are frustrated,” Hlatshuayo said.
Another parent, Joyce Nake, stated that they had been waiting for three hours without any assistance whatsoever.
Ketshepile Xaba explained that they were not aware of the reason for the delay and added that the gates were still locked.
“We are frustrated and stressed about our children’s future. This is not the first time that assistance has been delayed. I have been trying to register since last year but I still have not received any assistance from the District Office. The schools are almost starting,” Xaba stated.
Another frustrated parent emphasised her displeasure after stating that they have been at the District Office multiple times.
“We have been running up and down like headless chickens. We are worried about our children. My child is completely stressed about the registration. He is considering staying at home and even hurting himself because he will not be able to attend school this year. I have been here since October last year, coming to the District Office twice a week. The online registration does not work. The District Office should rather revert to the old way of registering,” said a mother who did not want to be mentioned.
The Herald attempted to reach the District Office for comment, however, the gates were closed. The Herald also attempted contacting the Gauteng Department of Education’s spokesperson Steve Mabona but comment was not provided. Their feedback will be published once received.
