The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) said they are working closely with schools in high pressure zones to increase their classroom capacity to accommodate unplaced learners.
According to Steve Mabona, GDE spokesperson, it is also important to note that the department has identified some schools in affected areas which will be assisted with a provision of mobile classrooms.
“We will also partner with Independent Schools to accommodate excess learners from our Public Schools accordingly, in consultation with respective parents. In addition, GDE will introduce English and Afrikaans as the Language of Teaching and Learning (LoTL) in the under-subscribed township schools. The said schools will be assisted to acquire the necessary educators that have qualifications and proficiency to teach in the required LoTL,” Mabona said.
He added the GDE is also initiating the process of merging single medium schools with low learner enrollments to open English medium schools in high pressure zones.
“As of 19 November 2019, we have placed 267 611 (94, 63 percent) applicants which reflects an increase of 3 85 placements. The remaining 14 617 applicants are yet to receive
placement offers and must be placed by the 30 November 2019 deadline,” Mabona said.
According to Mabona, during the Online Admissions Application period which started on 20 May 2019 to 22 July 2019, it received a total of 310 350 applications. Of these, 27 563 applicants have not submitted the required documents, while 282 787 applicants have submitted the documents.
“We are undoubtedly working diligently, ensuring that schools increase their classroom capacity to accommodate additional unplaced learners by 30 November,” said Panyaza Lesufi, Gauteng Education MEC.
He further urged parents to accept offers given or immediately object if not suitable so that those rejected offers can be given to other applicants.
“Nevertheless, our main objective is ensuring that no learner is without a school.”
Lesufi went on to say a parent that does not prefer the offer of placement given should lodge an objection with the District. Objection forms are available at District offices.
“Should the parent remain dissatisfied with the outcome of the Objection, they may complete an Appeal Form available at District offices.”
Meanwhile, MEC Lesufi is saddened by the death of two learners from Phahama Secondary School in Mohlakeng and Hoërskool Bekker, who committed suicide respectively.
The first incident happened on Thursday, 14 November where it is alleged a 17-year-old Grade 12 girl-learner from Phahama Secondary School committed suicide by hanging herself at home.
“It is alleged that the deceased lost her new cell phone and was too scared to tell her parents, hence she decided to take her own life,” Lesufi said.
Sadly, the second incident occurred on Sunday, 17 November, whereby a 19-year-old Grade 12 Hoërskool Bekker boy-learner allegedly shot himself at home with his father’s firearm.
“The deceased left a note which will form part of the Police investigation. The Psycho-Social Unit was dispatched to both schools to offer necessary support and counselling to all affected. It is unfortunate and regrettable that learners took their own lives in this manner. We take this time to send our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and the school communities, during this time of grief. No words are enough to express our sorrow at a loss of our learners. We hope that the families will find comfort in the knowledge that we too share their loss,” Lesufi added.
Furthermore, Lesufi encouraged pupils to focus on their education and refrain from things that may have a negative impact on their studies.
