This is due to the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) placing children who are starting grade 1 this year, in schools that are remote from their residential places. Parents now say they will do anything to see their kids go to school. “This is so frustrating because we applied on time, and we selected schools that are in the area we live. It is very unfortunate that some of us were failed by the system.”
Parents said that although mos live in Vanderbijlpark, the system had placed their kids in schools as far as Evaton and Sebokeng which posed a challenge for them. On Friday, parents visited the Sedibeng West District in Sebokeng where they looked for a resolution to the problem.
“We have come here today to find a solution. We have been forced to be absent from work due to the fact that we cannot leave our children at home alone.”
The GDE recently announced that they are aware of the placement challenges. Gauteng Department of Education’s Spokesperson, Steve Mabona says, “Another method of intervention will be to negotiate with various schools to increase their capacity so as to accommodate more learners. These schools will be prioritized in provisioning of mobile units. Unplanned financial implications of late applicants are substantial.
“Additional funding will have to be found in order to finance the educator salaries, additional classrooms, learning and teaching support materials and school furniture.
“Procurement processes are also not instant and can take weeks to complete. We are aware that parents have lost hope and are angry toward our officials at the District offices. Some even resort to violence. The department is doing everything possible to accommodate learners. We appeal for patience and cooperation in the interest of learners.”
