As the 2025 academic year commences, parents in eMalahleni continue to face a 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.

However, in a bid to resolve the crisis, the department has set a February 7 deadline to conclude all outstanding school placement cases.

“We are aware of parents who still need space, and the department has decided that by February 7, all outstanding cases must be concluded,” said the department’s spokesperson, Jasper Zwane.

This is not the first time parents in eMalahleni had to face 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, a concerned parent, said, “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 department emphasised that this deadline is crucial in ensuring that learners are in school, learning. They also requested the cooperation of parents in resolving the crisis.

 

“There are instances where parents have been advised to register their children in schools that have spaces, some refuse preferring schools that are full,” said Zwane. “We also have instances where parents remove their children from one school to the other, and this is causing a challenge.”

The department acknowledged that there are genuine cases of parents relocating due to various reasons, which makes it difficult to conclude the process of admission.

Despite these challenges, the department reported that the numbers of those who have been on the waiting list have drastically been reduced.

“The department extends its profound appreciation to all the parents who worked collaboratively toward this achievement,” added Zwane.

Zozibini Gqibinkomo, a frustrated parent, welcomed the department’s deadline but emphasised that parents just want the best for their children.

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

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