GALLERY: Hundreds line up for school
WELTEVREDEN PARK – Desperate parents and guardians camp out at schools.
Hundreds of patient parents camped outside Joburg schools for over two days for the 2016 academic year registrations, which opened on 21 April.
Notably, a warning was given to all those concerned to arrive at the schools early as the registration works on a first-come-first-served basis.
The idea was to be first in line in order to ensure that your child’s registration will be accepted at your desired school.
An extreme case was Northcliff High School, with parents who had started lining up as early as the morning of 19 April (Sunday). The streets around the school were seen littered with gazebos, camping chairs, braais and even, in some cases, a working TV.
Weltervreden Park Primary School saw interested parties lining up from around 1pm on 20 April. Some parents setting up their home away from home for the evening said, “Those who live closer should get preference.” Another remarked, “I own my house, there should be a difference between those who rent and those who own property.” In totality, it was very clear that a fair number of the waiting parents were amazed by the number of people who camped out.
For the most part, those waiting outside entertained themselves with warm fires and laughs with others around them.
In some cases, parents took shifts to catch up on some rest.
“Although the wait has been long I find it absolutely worth it as this is a great school, it was the first choice for my daughter,” said parent Heater Henderson.
Rand Park High School was also a sorry case with over 350 parents lining up at 4am on 20 April.
Rand Park marketing, communications and relations officer Heather Robinson said, “Our squires sold coffee and tea as well as edible items as part of their fundraising. We also moved the parents into the hall to keep them away from the cold. This year, we had the most patient and high-spirited bunch which helped make our jobs a lot easier.”
The Gauteng Department of Basic Education said once the forms are captured, parents will receive an automated waiting list number on their cell phones or e-mails or from a representative of the school.
