PARENTS continue to be concerned about the future of their children.
Primary and secondary schools opened on Wednesday, 17 January, but some parents visited the Tshwane District Department of Education after their children were not placed at schools.
Ennie Sedibelwane (33) from Hammanskraal in Tshwane said she applied for her eight-year-old child in July 2023, but her child has net been placed yet.
She said her child was at Lefofa Primary School and wants her to be placed at Mamotse Primary School in Hammanskraal, which is nearby.
"Lefofa Primary School is far from where I live. I've submitted every document needed but I haven't received any response. I can't manage the transport is far from where I live."
Ennie said she spent R300 on school uniform, but the school hasn't placed her child.
"If I’m not helped, I'll take my child to school by force and leave him inside a classroom as there is nothing I can do," she said.
Nonhlanhla Simelane (35) said she is worried that her grade 10 child will not go to school.
ALSO READ: Bad news for ex-Pirates star Chenene's family!
She said she wants her child to be placed at a school in Wallmansthal.
"I'm concerned that my 16-year-old child will stay at home for two weeks before being placed."
Sibongile Mathenjwa (35) from Theresa Park said she applied around August 2023.
She said on Monday, 15 January, she submitted the documents again and has a reference which is not assisting her child because she will be at home.
"I have a reference, and my 12-year-old child will be at home while other grade 8 learners will be continuing with their schoolwork."
Some parents said that the placement of children is a headache.
They said they even bought uniforms for the schools where they wanted their children to attend.
Gauteng Department of Education spokesman Steve Mabona said that as schools opened on Wednesday, they were aware of the pressure of admissions.
He said they opened the system for grades 1 and 8 in 2023 for this curriculum year.
"We have given parents the opportunity to apply late, opening the system on 18 December. We continue to see applications, as over 21 000 late registration applicants have been placed. We are aware that they are those that will not be satisfied with what we have provided them."
He said some parents are at the department offices for different reasons. "We have prepared very well. We have procured furniture, stationery, and all learning materials. We make sure we provide more mobile units where capacity is a challenge," said Mabona.
