First day of no school
The excitement was not mutual for all the parents, because of schools not having enough space to place their children
Education is a very important step before entering the world beyond matric.
Schools across eMalahleni started on Wednesday, January 15 and the excitement for parents, teachers and the children was electric since they were on a break from November 26, 2019, and some scholars even earlier.
The excitement was not mutual for all the parents, because of schools not having enough space to place their children.
Parents and members of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) are not happy about school placements and demanded answers.
They gathered on Wednesday, the first day of a new school year outside Hoërskool Generaal Hertzog (HGH) waiting for answers on placement.
It is alleged that parents have been applying their kids for placements in schools across eMalahleni and got rejected because of schools being full.
The children are then put onto a waiting list for when a spot is opening up at certain schools.
It is also alleged that some parents weren’t notified that their child has been rejected.
Children showed up for school in uniform just to be told they’re not on any class list and that their application was unsuccessful due to schools overflowing with scholars.
Thabang Moloatsi from the EFF said: “The challenges we face is that we lack infrastructure and capacity, not with the principals but with the education sector as a whole”.
The amount of schools in eMahlaleni is limited and space in schools has been filled.
Principal of HGH, Mr Hendrik Potgieter said: “The schools across eMalahleni are full; we can not take any children before another spot opens up. The schools are with the parents on the issue of lack of infrastructure and schools. We try to support and assist them where we can. Unfortunately a school can only assist a certain amount of students. Of course we would love to help each and every child, but it’s just not possible.”
For inquiries about learner placement, parents are advised to go to the regional offices of the Department of Education.
