Anxiety and Joy as Gauteng learners begin school
Many parents across Gauteng were on Wednesday still anxiously waiting on the Department of Education to allocate schools for their children.
Some parents have complained that their children have not been placed in school despite applying early as requested by the department of basic education.
On Monday, Chief of Staff at Gauteng Education department Oupa Bodibe said 16,000 children were yet to be admitted to schools.
“The provinces MEC of Education appealed to schools to accommodate at least five (extra) children,” said Bodibe.
The department said it would clear the backlog by the end of the week, but warned late requests for school places would take up to a month to resolve.
Principal at Melpark Primary School in Mellville Nalini Padayachee on Wednesday said the school was ready to start with new the academic year and was prepared for 120 grade one leaners who have been accepted.
However, no new applications will be considered at the school.
“Everthing is under control and going well this morning, but this year all our grade one classes are full so we cannot accommodate anymore.” said Padayachee
Parents whose children started school stood outside Melpark expressing joy at watching their children begin their first day of schooling.
Meanwhile, the Basic Education department will be conducting visits at various schools in the country. In Gauteng, Minister Angie Motshekga is expected to check the readiness of Ribane Laka Secondary School in Mamelodi and also visit newly built Albert Luthuli Primary School in Daveyton.
Photo: Maryke Vermaak