Thousands of Gauteng children remain unplaced as schools reopen, with 4,858 learners still without a spot. The DA has called for the Online Admissions System to open by April and for all placements to be completed before the school year begins.
One parent told Newzroom Afrika that she registered her child in July but only received placement feedback in the first week of December 2025, with her child assigned to Northview School in Johannesburg, far from home.
“My child won’t be able to go there. I can’t afford transportation, I can’t afford school fees, and I also need to take care of myself,” she said.
She added that she had appealed at the district office, sent emails, and had been waiting for a response.
She also tried to register her child directly at St. John’s Convent School in the Sizanani area of Bronkhorstspruit, only to find it full of foreign nationals.
“The school clerk told me to try again in 2026 to see if space is available. I haven’t bought a school uniform because I still don’t know where my child will be placed, and schools are opening next week,” she said.
The parent further criticised the government, alleging it prioritises foreign nationals over South African children.
She claimed someone on Facebook offered to secure a placement at St. John’s Convent School for R550, which she refused to pay.
The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has previously warned parents about a scammer known as ‘Godfrey,’ allegedly offering school placements for the 2026 academic year in exchange for bribes.
The department confirmed that no one by that name works for the GDE in Tshwane or any district office, and that all placements are handled exclusively through the official Online Admissions System.
“Parents must understand: no individual can fast-track the placement process. Those who pay these fraudsters are paying for nothing,” the department said.
GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona confirmed that 4,858 Grade 1 and Grade 8 learners remain unplaced, including 1,381 in Grade 1 and 3,477 in Grade 8, representing about 1.5% of the 358,574 applications received.
“The department continues to release placement and transfer offers daily, supported by targeted interventions in high-pressure districts, to ensure all remaining learners are placed efficiently and fairly,” Mabona said.
He further revealed that placement pressure is highest in urban districts. Ekurhuleni leads with 3,169 unplaced learners, particularly at Grade 8 level in Ekurhuleni North, while Johannesburg East has 1,173 learners awaiting placement, largely driven by demand for secondary schools. Tshwane, Sedibeng, and West Rand have nearly completed placements.
“The department has prioritised high-pressure districts, intensifying placement efforts, releasing transfer offers, and strategically using capacity across neighbouring schools,” Mabona said.
Late applications remain open until January 30, with 11,183 submissions so far (5,701 for Grade 1 and 5,482 for Grade 8).
MEC Matome Chiloane urged parents who missed the main application period to apply online at www.gdeadmissions.gov.za. Only schools with available space will appear, and placements made during this period are final.
On appeals, the department reported 6,736 lodged, with 637 objections still pending.
“We are encouraged by the steady progress in placing learners across Gauteng,” Chiloane said. “We urge parents to remain patient as the Department works to ensure every Grade 1 and Grade 8 learner is placed for 2026.”
The DA has reiterated that the Online Admissions System must open no later than April, ensuring learners are placed before schools reopen and as close to home as possible.
DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Education Sergio Isa Dos Santos said the situation reflects repeatedly late admissions processes, creating unnecessary financial, emotional, and logistical burdens for families.
“While MEC Chiloane assures parents that progress is being made, many families remain deeply frustrated by the lack of transparency,” Dos Santos said.
He called for full disclosure of the admissions system, including backend criteria and decision-making mechanisms.
“Gauteng parents deserve transparency, honesty, and accountability, not silence and a blasé attitude,” he added, confirming that DA oversight visits will begin as soon as schools open next week.
The Star
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