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Scores of Gauteng learners still without placement

Simnikiwe Mzekandaba
By Simnikiwe Mzekandaba, IT in government editor
Johannesburg, 17 Jan 2018
The education department needs to place more than 29 000 learners whose parents submitted online applications.
The education department needs to place more than 29 000 learners whose parents submitted online applications.

The Gauteng Department of Education's (GDE's) online admissions process has spoiled what is meant to be the first day of school for thousands of grade one and eight learners, and left many parents feeling like they have failed.

The GDE still needs to find schools for more than 29 000 learners whose parents were required to apply via the online registration system in order for their children to be placed at their preferred school.

Launched in 2016, the Gauteng education department's admission Web site was introduced to simplify the application process for parents of learners starting grades one and eight.

Explaining the motive to introduce online admissions, the department has said the system is aimed at preventing long queues and encourages a tech-savvy school registration process.

Last week, the GDE said failure to place the learners is the result of applications in high pressure areas where there is a shortage of space and late applications. At the time, the department said about 17 000 learners, whose parents applied on time, had not yet been placed and more than 14 000 late applicants still needed placement.

Yesterday, the GDE revealed that 2 565 of the 31 000 learners have been placed. It also stated that a total of 4 500 new applications have been received.

"The department hosted admission open days this past weekend, on 13 and 14 January, at various decentralised venues (in districts) to address the backlog of the 31 000 unplaced learners and to attend to all other admissions-related queries.

"We appreciate parents who visited the centres for assistance and assure them the department is doing everything possible to place all unplaced learners. We appeal for patience and cooperation in the interest of learners."

Mom Khanyisa Ndyondya, whose son is meant to start grade one this year, says she regrets going through the online process and feels it was a waste of time.

According to Ndyondya, she submitted her son's application documents on time and subsequently visited the district office, but her son is not starting grade one today.

"I am depressed. Now we have to convince him that school doesn't start today. We can't even watch the news. It's a mess."

Gauteng education MEC Panyaza Lesufi has promised to ensure all children are placed between the end of January and mid-February.

The department also advised parents that still have admission queries in relation to grade one and eight to visit the admission centres. The centres will continue to operate until the end of January, says the GDE.

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