The Democratic Alliance is aware of learners in KwaZulu-Natal who have not been placed in schools and who are still sitting at home despite the academic year having started two months ago. The reasons are varied and include transfers from other provinces and lack of space in appropriate schools – such as special needs environments.
Then there are the learners whose parents unfortunately waited until the last minute to apply for school placements. In this case, many of the appeals for help that landed on my desk, were only after schools had already opened in January. Looking at these, it is clear that some parents forget that applications for the following school year begin now. So why wait?
Parents are urged to begin applications for 2024 as early as next month. When they apply, they should also keep a record of their application so that if it is not attended to, it can be properly followed up. They should also be aware that government schools may not charge application fees or registration fees over and above school fees. If this is done, they need to raise it as a red flag immediately. KZN’s Education MEC, Mbali Frazer has confirmed with me that charging these extra “fees” is unacceptable.
Regrettably, despite parents having been alerted that they should apply early, many do not. And while the majority of learners have been placed, it is an indictment against the MEC and her department that there are learners still sitting at home – almost at the end of the first term. The DA sincerely hopes that these outstanding matters will be resolved imminently and that our call to parents to apply early is heeded.
Dr IMRAN KEEKA, MPL
DA KZN Spokesperson on Education
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
