FRUSTRATION OVER SCHOOL PLACEMENTS

Parents unhappy about WCED decisions

- GENEVIEVE SERRA

WHILE the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) seeks placement for over 7 000 learners after welcoming 1.2 million for the new year, politicians have called it a crisis.

Parents have expressed frustration over the department's decisions to place learners outside their districts or more than 2km from home, raising concerns about safety.

Parent Melissa Smith shared her experience with the Cape Argus, stating that her Grade 8 son was offered placement at Glendale High (2km from home) after being rejected by Rocklands High, where his twin brothers attend, and Mondale High due to academic requirements.

“I appealed and went back and forth between schools and the Education offices. I live in Portland, not Rocklands, so now I must accept that my child must travel far outside his community and be separated from his twin brothers,” she said.

Bronagh Hammond, Director of Communications for the WCED, clarified their stance: “An offer of placement was made - which is 2km from his parents’ listed address. This is not unreasonable.