Pupils still wait in line to be placed

BACKLOG: DEPARTMENT HAS TO ACCOMMODATE 82 200 KIDS ‘We apologise unconditionally for frustration some parents experienced.’

Despite technical glitches that were experienced during the launch of online school applications, the Gauteng department of education says it is all systems go for the new academic year.

Speaking in Johannesburg yesterday, the department’s MEC, Panyaza Lesufi, said the objectives set for the online system have largely been met.

“The department opted for online applications for Grades 1 and 8 for ease of planning and to eliminate queues at schools by parents applying for places [for children],” Lesufi said.

“It goes without saying that some parents faced frustration during the application and placement period. For example, many parents complained that they did not receive updates on the state of application. For this we apologise unconditionally.”

He said a number of erroneous reports have been noted that sought to attribute problems experienced during placement solely on the online system.

Some of the delays, according to Lesufi, could be attributed to a limited number of schools in suburban areas relative to the demand for places in Grades 1 and 8, as well as parents taking time to confirm offers of placement, creating a backlog.

In total, 310 404 applications were received online, of which 176 348 were for Grade 1 and 136 056 for Grade 8.

“As of December 5, 229 125 pupils were placed in our schools (both early and late applications), of which 131 304 are for Grade 1 and 97 821 are for Grade 8,” Lesufi said. A total of 82 279 pupils were still to be placed.

“The department will work around the clock to place all these pupils and inform the parents.” – Citizen reporter