‘No shortage of schools in Amanzimtoti’ – Education MEC
Parents and guardians are requested to apply early, to at least three schools, and to check their applications at least three months after making them.
KWAZI Mshengu, the KZN Department of Education MEC, has denied that there is a shortage of schools in Amanzimtoti after some parents voiced the concern. Mshengu also made a call to parents and guardians to register learners early to avoid delays in the start of classes next year.
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Admissions for the 2023 school year opened on March 1, and will close on September 30. The reminder came after the SUN asked Mshengu if there was a shortage of schools in the Amanzimtoti area as some parents had complained that they could not find suitable schools for their children.
The MEC denied that there is a shortage of schools in the greater Amanzimtoti area. He said Department of Education officials at district offices are there to assist in cases where children cannot get a placement at schools.
“The schools are there. The problem arises when some parents and guardians refuse to enroll their child at the school where there are openings, and attempt to enroll them at a school of their choice which is full,” said Mshengu.
He added that over the years, his department has noted that instead of starting teaching and learning on the first day of the academic year, it finds itself having to deal with issues of learner admissions.
“The reason for this is the late registration by parents and guardians. In preparation for the 2023 academic year, parents are requested to enroll learners early for entry into grades one and eight, to avoid the late registration that happens every January,” he said.
In making applications, parents are requested to apply to a minimum of three schools. “This is important in order to ensure that parents secure places for their children. Applying to a minimum of three schools increases the chances for the child to be placed in one of them, be it second or third choice. Late admissions also lead to some schools getting overcrowded as there is pressure to get learners into class,” concluded Mshengu.
The department further advises parents to constantly check the progress of the application, starting at three months after making it.
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