NATIONAL NEWS - Afrikaans and English will be introduced as the language of teaching in under-subscribed township schools in an effort to place all Gauteng learners by the November 30 deadline.
The Gauteng Department of Education is also working closely with schools in high pressure zones to increase their classroom capacity to accommodate unplaced learners, the department said in a statement on Tuesday.
“The department has identified some schools in affected areas which will be assisted with the provision of mobile classrooms. We will also partner with independent schools to accommodate excess learners from our public schools in consultation with parents,” said Panyaza Lesufi, Gauteng MEC for education.
Where English and Afrikaans will be introduced as the language of teaching and learning, the said schools will be assisted to acquire the necessary educators that have qualifications and proficiency to teach in these languages.
Lesufi said the department was also initiating the process of merging single medium schools with low learner enrolments to open English medium schools in high pressure zones.
On November 19, the department has placed 267 611 (94, 63%) applicants. The remaining 14 617 applicants are still to receive placement offers and must be placed by November 30.
“We are working diligently, ensuring schools increase their classroom capacity to accommodate additional unplaced learners by November 30. Parents are therefore urged to accept offers given or immediately object if not suitable, so those rejected offers can be given to other applicants. Nevertheless, our main objective is ensuring that no learner is without a school,” said Lesufi.
A parent who does not prefer the offer of placement given should lodge an objection with the district. Objection forms are available at district offices.
Should the parent remain dissatisfied with the outcome of the objection, they may complete an appeal form available at district offices.
