Parents resort to ‘desperate measures’ to get their plea heard
Frustrated parents of learners in the Polokwane circuit, whose children still haven't been placed in schools, resorted to pelting cars with stones outside the Department of Education's offices on Tuesday.
POLOKWANE – Law enforcers were called in, and they closed off Biccard Street as parents attempted to get the attention of the department after seeking placement for their children in the second week of the academic year, still with no answers.
One parent, Jane Ramogolo says their reaction might have seemed unnecessary to others but it was a desperate call.
“The intention was never to damage anyone’s car but some of the motorists were requested to not use the road and they refused.”
Among the parents at the scene were some who had gone through the application process on time but whose children were not accepted at the schools where they applied.
Other parents were late applicants, many of whom cited recent relocation as to why this was the case. One parent told BONUS that because she lives with her parents still, the school where she applied didn’t consider that application as her name does not appear on the proof of residence attached to the application.
“I live in town with my parents, meaning the proof of residence is not in my name. I obtained an affidavit confirming that my daughter and I live with my parents but the school told me they do not accept affidavits.”
She said she approached the circuit office to raise the matter but was told to lay an official complaint, which she did. At the time, she was told that an answer would be forthcoming by November, but upon enquiring, she was given the runaround and eventually told to wait another month.
“When I returned in December, I was told the circuit offices were closed and that I should come back in January when schools reopen.”
She has been at the circuit office, along with other parents including the late applicants, since 13 January, she told BONUS.
“There are not enough people to assist all these parents. Everyone was put on the same list for placement and I had an issue with that because I applied on time.”
By Friday, there still had been no progress.
During this frustrating period, parents were seemingly also told to go to Greenside Primary School for placement.
“At some point, we were at Greenside from 06:00 and officials only arrived at 10:00, still with no answers. We were told to come to the circuit office and have been waiting ever since,” another parent said.
Having been denied access to the premises, parents were left outside for hours and say they will continue their plea for help until their children are placed.
Departmental Spokesperson, Sam Makondo, says parents should exercise patience as the department is working on placing their children.
“Our recruitment section is currently processing all documents to ensure that learners are from Polokwane. The department is not aware of anyone who applied on time and still needs placement. Those who applied last year should contact me for intervention,” he said.
Bonus spoke to some of the parents about their frustration with the placement of their children. Read their responses in this week’s Bonus Review.
