SEBOKENG. – Just two days before schools reopen for the 2023 academic year, scores of parent are lining up at the Sedibeng West District Department of Education in Sebokeng, in efforts to find placement for their kids at various schools in the Vaal triangle.

While some parents spent the night there, others arrived in the early hours of the morning in order to be right at the front of the long queue.

Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, frustrated parents said that the online system was failing them because their kids have been placed at schools they did not apply to, while others have been placed at schools that require them to incur additional school and transport fees.

“Unfortunately, we do not work so we won’t be able to afford school fees and transport fees. We just wish that the department would take this into consideration when placing the kids.”

46-year-old Petrus Mokoena says, “I applied on time last year but to date, my child has still not been placed at the chosen school in Lakeside. We have been here from the early hours but we are still waiting to be helped.”

Another parent, Kgomotso Aphane (31) said that the online system was causing a lot of confusion as kids were being placed at schools  parents did not choose.

Gauteng Department of Education says only schools with available space are open for late applications.

“Parents will be able to apply online and immediately upload documents online. Documents not uploaded may be hand delivered to schools from 11 – 31 January 2023. Note that each parent may apply to ONE school only. The learner will be automatically placed at the one school applied to.”