Earlier this week the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) opened up late applications for students in grades one and eight and, while it has only been a couple of days since this happened, the department has provided an update.
According to an announcement, 596 students are “currently in the process of being placed at schools in the province”.
The wording of the numbers here are a bit odd. In the header of the announcement the department first writes “under 600” but then, in the body of the document, writes “under 596”. We’re not sure why the use of the “under” was done here instead of simply giving an exact number, but we suppose 596 will have to do for now.
“We are aware that our District Offices are pressured with parents who seek assistance on Late applications, and those who are unhappy with schools they were offered. Our officials are working tirelessly to assist all parents. We also wish to appeal to the public not to threaten officials with violence. It is really unfair to them,” writes Panyaza Lesufi, MEC for Education and Youth Development, Gauteng Province.
More details about late applications for learners, including steps for the process, can be found here.
While students still awaiting placement is stressful for them, parents, schools and other education stakeholders, the start of the first term of the 2022 school year has been met with tragedy.
In the same announcement of the 596 students awaiting placement, the department also comments on unfortunate incidents including a fatal shooting between two 16-year-old students, another fatal shooting of an educator, a bus accident and community unrest at a school for those with disabilities.
Schools in Gauteng and other inland provinces opened their doors again just two days ago on 12th January. For all of this to happen in such as short space of time is truly worrying.
[MEDIA STATEMENT]: The Gauteng Department of Education wishes to update the public on learner placements and several unfortunate incidents which occurred as the new academic year began.@Lesufi @Steve_Mabona pic.twitter.com/q971OGDr4Q
— Gauteng Department of Education (@EducationGP1) January 13, 2022
