Polokwane welcomes 2024 academic year

POLOKWANE – A total of 68% of Gr 1, Gr R and Gr 8 learners who applied in time for schools in the Pietersburg Education Circuit were admitted to local schools, while 29% or a total of 2 879 had their applications declined and are being considered for appeal.

At the start of the 2024 academic year, Education spokesperson Mike Maringa confirmed that the department has been handling late applications and rejected applicant cases for the past two days and he assured parents that all learners will eventually be placed even though it may not be at their school of choice. “They will be placed at schools in their feeder areas to balance out the learner population and avoid overpopulation in schools that are already filled to capacity.”

Maringa said those with new work appointments in the city, who have relocated or have job transfers letters also qualify for late applications.

“Appealers with regret letters are also advised to visit the education circuit office while follow-up appeals will be dealt with next Monday.”

In the meantime, teachers and school staff across the province returned to work on Monday in preparation of the new school year.

Review contacted principals of several schools to hear their expectations for the 2024 academic year.

Hoërskool Pietersburg principal, Adolf Ellis especially welcomed the school’s Gr 8 intake: “A special welcome to our new eighth graders and their parents and guardians. This year’s theme is very appropriate, ‘Be the Light’ and it is with great hope and a zest for life that we embark on the year and look forward to Pietie joys and growth in all areas, with everyone’s light shining brightly”.

Laerskool Pietersburg-Noord Primary principal, Greg Schoeman said they are looking forward to many great achievements in academics, sports and culture activities this year. “Thank you to the staff for the hard work and dedication and always putting the needs of our children first. Good luck to all my fellow Noordjies!”

Laerskool Pietersburg-Oos principal Gideon Pelzer said his prayer is that 2024 will exceed everyone’s grandest expectations. “Take advantage of every opportunity and make it the best year ever”.

Thabo Ratema, principal at Noorderland High School said learners should put in great effort from the start in order to build a strong foundation. This applies to all grades, he said, “because we value them all. We don’t wish for any learners to repeat a grade.”

Mitchell House principal, Stephen Lowry also commented: “At this time, as we all anxiously await the release of the 2023 matric results. I pray earnestly that all our hard work during the course of the year will pay off”.

Meanwhile, the overall 2023 National Senior Certificate (NSC) results will be released at midnight by Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga. Results will be released to candidates by Education MEC Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya, presenting a breakdown of the provincial results on Friday.

While overcrowding in Polokwane schools remains a key issue in the placement of learners, the department confirmed that construction processes for three new schools in the circuit are underway and site assessments have concluded.