An increase in school learner applications this year has led to most schools accepting more than five additional learners per class, as per a recent statement by the Gauteng Department of Education.
Schools in the province had received 1 217 more applications by Day 8 of the academic year, as compared to 2018. In addition, 17 686 late submissions were accepted late in January, increasing the total number of students even more. Applicants will be placed as they report to the various schools.
22 618 late applicants did not provide the necessary documentation on time and forfeited their applications.
Johannesburg Central has reported that there is major overcrowding at a total of 230 primary schools and 273 high schools. This accurately reflects other district schools in Gauteng.
Krugersdorp falls within the Gauteng West district among 20 other towns, each with many schools. This district has only six schools with available space for new learners, and the positions are quickly being filled.
This raises concerns of whether a continued influx of this magnitude will be sustainable by Gauteng schools in the next half-decade, and whether learners will receive the much-needed individual attention from teachers while competing with so many classmates with the same needs.
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