WATCH: Emotions run high at Joburg South education meeting over learner placement
Parents and community members raised concerns about admissions, school capacity, and fees during a Department of Education meeting held in Rosettenville.
Pandemonium ensued in a meeting called by Department of Education (Joburg South District) after emotions flared-up as attendees voiced their challenges regarding learners’ placement.
The meeting held at Rosettenville Central Primary School on January 12, was called by Nkululeko Matthews from the Joburg South District, he came with circuit manager, Lawrence Rikhotso.
It was attended among others by local councillors, PR councillors, political activists and the community at large.
Although he (Matthews) managed to calm the community members down, there were people who were not satisfied.
@southern.courierThe meeting held at Rosettenville Central Primary School on January 12, was called by Nkululeko Matthews from the Joburg South District, he came with circuit manager, Lawrence Rikhotso. It was attended among others by local councillors, PR councillors, political activists and the community at large. Although he (Matthews) managed to calm the community members down, there were people who were not satisfied.♬ original sound – Southern Courier
The meeting was called to share information and established rules of engagement as the admission processes continue in schools, also the discussion of issues that can lead in finding way forward. Among other things on the agenda was online application for Grade One and Eight.
Other items included placement and accommodation, late application, support from schools, the holding of reports, exemption, stationery and textbooks, employment of foreigners and schools’ safety in Moffat View precinct.
@southern.courierThe meeting was called to share information and established rules of engagement as the admission processes continue in schools, also the discussion of issues that can lead in finding way forward. Among other things on the agenda was online application for Grade One and Eight. Other items included placement and accommodation, late application, support from schools, the holding of reports, exemption, stationery and textbooks, employment of foreigners and schools’ safety in Moffat View precinct.♬ original sound – Southern Courier
Matthews explained that placement means finding space for a learner who didn’t get the space where he/she applied (Grade One and Eight).
He mentioned that it is where they are at, trying to place learners where there is capacity.
He said there are categories that the district take into account when doing this.
“We first established that the learner is South African, has a sibling in that school and whether the parent works in the area,” he said.
Matthews promised the community that their mandate is clear – to place every learner in schools and they will do their best to achieve it.
@southern.courierMatthews explained that placement means finding space for a learner who didn’t get the space where he/she applied (Grade One and Eight). He mentioned that it is where they are at, trying to place learners where there is capacity
There were questions from the floor where different challenges were tabled; this include school wanting registration fee up to R5 000.
Others were that learners were placed in district like the North, foreign nationals given preference, not enough space for learners, ratio of teacher to learners and reports retention by some school to name a few.
