Thousands of Gauteng children still await school placement

AS SCHOOLS reopen, 4 858 students in Gauteng are still without a spot, leaving thousands of children unplaced.

- MASABATA MKWANANZI

The DA has demanded that all placements be finished prior to the start of the school year and that the Online Admissions System open by April.

One parent told Newzroom Afrika that she registered her child in July but only received placement feedback in the first week of December 2025, with her child assigned to Northview School in Johannesburg, far from home.

“My child won't be able to go there. I can’t afford transportation, I can’t afford school fees, and I also need to take care of myself’ she said.

She added that she had appealed at the district office, sent emails, and had been waiting for a response. She also tried to register her child directly at St. John’s Convent School in the Sizanani area of Bronkhorstspruit, only to find it full of foreign nationals.

“The school clerk told me to try again in 2026 to see if space is available. I haven't bought a school uniform because I still don't know where my child will be placed, and schools are opening next week,” she said.

The parent further criticised the government, alleging it prioritises foreign nationals over South African children.

She claimed someone on Facebook offered to secure a placement at St. John’s Convent School for R550, which she refused to pay.