It has been a relatively smooth first day for schools in Gauteng as they reopen following the festive season break. Not even the outstanding admission of several thousands could disrupt activities. Basic education minister Angie Motshekga and the education MEC Matome Chiloane visited Kgatoentle Secondary School in Ga-Rankuwa.
The provincial education department said it had already placed some 20 000 or so learners whose parents failed to apply on time and were allowed an opportunity to do so in December.
“We opened the system on the 18th of December to allow parents who missed the initial deadline to apply and we continue to see applications up to so far over 21 000 late registration applicants have been assisted, they have been placed,” said Gauteng education spokesperson Steve Mabona.
MEC Matome Chiloane said currently the department manages to accommodate all prospective students. Chiloane said a new challenge was the insistence by some parents that their children be enrolled in former Model C schools.
“Gauteng is 90 percent ready. By next week, the next ten days to be specific we should be done with any outstanding issues. There’s a few instances where we are for water, sanitation, electricity and so on which are services provided by municipalities,” said Chiloane.
Chiloane said the roll out of mobile classrooms are also being distributed to schools that do not have more classes.