As the 2025 academic year has started, parents in eMalahleni are facing a familiar and frustrating struggle: securing school placements for their children. The Department of Basic Education is again under fire for handling school admissions, leaving parents helpless and desperate.

Zozibini Gqibinkomo, a frustrated parent said, “Our children deserve a quality education, and it’s the department’s job to ensure they receive it. We’ve been waiting for weeks, and still, no answers.”

This is not the first time parents in eMalahleni have faced this challenge.

In February last year, over 100 parents protested outside the eMalahleni Circuit Offices, frustrated by a three-week wait for placement confirmation.

This year, the situation is eerily similar, with many parents still waiting for answers in February.

Sinikiwe Chihava, another concerned parent “I’ve been going to the circuit office every day, and no one seems to know what’s going on. It’s like they’re not taking us seriously. Our children’s education is at stake, and we need answers now.”

The circuit office has been accused of dragging its feet, leaving parents in limbo.

@witbanknews As the 2025 academic year has started, parents in eMalahleni are facing a familiar and frustrating struggle: securing school placements for their children. The Department of Basic Education is once again under fire for handling school admissions, leaving parents feeling helpless and desperate. #witbanknews #schoolplacement2025 #departmentofeducation #witbank #witbanktiktok #emalahleni #vosman #ganala #phola #caxtonlocalmedia #emalahlenilocalmunicipality #bankenveld #southafrica #southafricantiktok ♬ original sound – witbanknews

Since schools reopened, Witbank News has received numerous calls from concerned parents, highlighting the urgent need for a solution.

The Department of Basic Education Spokesperson, Jasper Zwane, said, “The Department is aware of parents who still need space, and the Department has taken a decision that by Friday, 07 February, all outstanding cases must be concluded. This must ensure that learners are in schools in class learning. In this regard, the department requests the cooperation of parents.”

“We just want our children to have a chance at a better future,” said Gqibinkomo. “Is that too much to ask?”

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