The Western Cape Department of Education (WCED) is still working to place 529 Grade 1 and Grade 8 learners. As of February 15, the department had yet to place 25 students who applied on time for the 2024 academic year, 133 late, and 371 extremely late applications.
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According to Education MEC David Maynier, the majority of unplaced students submitted extremely late applications. The department had completed 124 808 or 99.6% of the Grade 1 and Grade 8 placement applications for the 2024 school year.
Maynier stated that those who applied on time were given priority, but the department was apparently having trouble reaching out to their parents.
‘We must consider applications in three groups. Applications received on time before the deadline of April 2023 and late applications received after the deadline but before the end of 2023. Over the past few weeks, our department has been inundated with brand-new, extremely late applications.’
‘These applications pose a great challenge, as they are arriving daily in an unpredictable pattern, so we are constantly chasing a moving target. We ask for patience as we make progress in placing these late applicants,’ said Maynier.
Maynier stated that they had been working hard since before schools reopened to find places for students in the 2024 school year, as well as to complete their extensive infrastructure programme to create more places.
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‘The massive current financial year R716.4 million blow to our overall budget last year came at a time when we needed the funds to build more schools and employ more teachers, as admissions demands ramped up. Despite these tremendous challenges, we have completed 255 additional classrooms.’
‘Learners are already in class at brand-new schools in Belhar, Kwanokuthula, Fisherhaven, Saldanha, Hout Bay and Macassar. New classrooms have been added to existing schools across the province, where demand for placement is highest,’ said Maynier.
He said another 317 classrooms were under construction at new and existing schools, with delivery dates beginning at the end of the month.
‘Since we secured an interdict against disruptions at the construction site of two new schools at Blueridge Sports Grounds, we have been making steady progress toward delivering the first phase later this year.’
‘Construction of Lwandle Primary School is also back on track, and we are hoping to have this completed with eight classrooms before the second term begins, barring any further delays.’
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Picture: 2y.kang / Unsplash
