COSATU warns of repeat school placement crisis

AS LEARNERS are expected to return to classrooms next week, questions are once again being raised about whether the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) is adequately prepared for the 2026 school year, especially in poorer communities where placement delays and overcrowding have become a yearly occurrence.

- LILITA GCWABE

COSATU in the Western Cape said it was already hearing from parents whose children have not been placed in schools, warning that the situation echoes challenges that have been raised by parents and learners year after year.

“Year after year, we don't see any plans from the department that work to address the issues faced by learners and parents.

Kids are not placed in schools and end up staying at home for a full year, and then the department shifts the blame to parents,” said the federation's Provincial Secretary, Malvern du Bruyn.

According to COSATU, the persistence of placement failures points to a deeper lack of long-term planning, which impacts disadvantaged children.

“We have seen this problem affecting families for more than five years now. If there was really a plan in place, then we wouldn't still have this problem,’ Du Bruyn continued.