Over 14,000 Late Applications Submitted as Gauteng Schools Reopen

by Central News Reporter
0 comments
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane

Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane

Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane on Wednesday, 15 January 2025, announced that the department has received over 14,000 late applications for school placements across the province as the new academic year begins.

The reopening of schools in Gauteng has been marked by a surge of last-minute enrolment attempts as hundreds of parents flocked to schools to secure places for their children. Speaking on the matter, MEC Matome Chiloane highlighted the scale of the challenge while assuring parents that every effort is being made to place all learners in schools.

Chiloane was addressing the media at the official opening of Braamfischer Primary School in Soweto. The new school, which welcomed its first group of learners, is one of several educational facilities opened by the department to meet the growing demand for primary education in the province.

Late Applications Surge to 14,000

The department revealed that over 325,000 new applications had already been processed before schools reopened on Wednesday. However, the influx of late applications has added significant pressure to the system, with over 14,000 additional requests submitted since the initial deadline.

“The issue of late applications has become a persistent challenge. Many parents wait until the last minute to apply, leaving the department with limited options to accommodate their preferences,” Chiloane explained.

He also emphasised the difficulties posed by late applications:

Braamfischer Primary School Officially Opens

Braamfischer Primary School was officially opened by MEC Chiloane on the first day of the academic year. The state-of-the-art facility has been constructed to cater to the educational needs of the Soweto community, with modern classrooms, technology resources, and dedicated spaces for extracurricular activities.

The opening ceremony was not without controversy, however, as the school’s name was met with resistance from some community members. Initially proposed as Joe Mpisi Primary School, the name was later changed to Braamfischer Primary following community opposition and consultations with local stakeholders.

Chiloane addressed the issue during the opening ceremony:

He also assured the community that the naming process had included input from the family of the late Braam Fischer, who expressed no objections to the use of the name.

Addressing Placement Challenges

The MEC reassured parents in Soweto that all children would be placed in schools, although he acknowledged the hurdles faced by the department.

He noted that the department is working tirelessly to address the backlog and ensure that no child is left behind. This includes engaging with district offices to manage capacity at schools and accommodate as many learners as possible.

Community Reactions and Support for New Schools

The opening of Braamfischer Primary School has been met with both excitement and concern within the Soweto community. While many parents are grateful for the additional educational facilities, some have raised concerns about the capacity and resources available at the new school.

One parent, Thabo Molefe, shared his thoughts:

Chiloane assured the community that the department is committed to providing quality education and that ongoing investments will be made to enhance school infrastructure and resources across Gauteng.

Tackling Broader Education Issues in Gauteng

The influx of late applications and placement challenges highlight broader systemic issues within Gauteng’s education sector. As the province continues to experience population growth, the demand for schools and resources has placed significant strain on the system.

Education experts have called for proactive measures to address these challenges, including:


• Increasing public awareness about application deadlines to reduce the volume of late applications.
• Expanding school infrastructure to meet growing demand, particularly in urban areas.
• Improving communication between the department, schools, and parents to streamline the placement process.
• Providing additional support for underperforming schools to ensure equitable access to quality education.

Looking Ahead

As the academic year gets underway, the Gauteng Department of Education faces the dual challenge of addressing immediate placement needs while planning for long-term improvements. MEC Chiloane remains optimistic about the department’s ability to meet these challenges, citing recent successes in expanding access to education.

The department has also urged parents to work collaboratively with schools and district offices to resolve any outstanding placement issues.


🔴Central News Weekly Edition 087🔴 Download the Latest Edition | Top Story: “Building ‘The Ngwathe We Want’:
Dr Mothamaha Drives Cost-Effective
Solutions with New Fleet Acquisitions”

Download Here:

Read all our publications on magzter:

https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues


Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.

We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.

Advertisement:

To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za

For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za

Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za

General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za

Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za

Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487

Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za

Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube

centralnewsza #news #politics #business

Related Articles

Leave a Comment

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept