The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has strongly dismissed claims that foreign nationals are being prioritised over South African learners during the 2026 school placement process, following growing frustration from parents whose children remain unplaced at public schools across the province.
Gauteng MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane, says the allegations are misleading and unfounded, stressing that there is no policy or directive within the department that allows schools to place foreign nationals ahead of South African learners.
Speaking in a media statement on Thursday, MEC Chiloane reiterated that South African learners are prioritised in accordance with existing legislation and the department’s admissions policies.
“We wish to reiterate that the department does not have a directive that instructs schools or officials to prioritise foreign nationals during learner placements. On the contrary, South African learners are prioritised in line with applicable legislation and the department’s admissions and placement processes,” said Chiloane.
The MEC further clarified that applications for inner grades — Grade 2 to 7 and Grade 9 to 11 — are managed directly by schools and not through the GDE Online Admissions system, which is only used for Grade 1 and Grade 8 placements.
He acknowledged that some schools, particularly in high-pressure areas, are currently experiencing capacity challenges, making it difficult to accommodate inner-grade applicants. Schools have been urged to work closely with district offices to manage placements more effectively.
Chiloane warned that no school or official is permitted to contravene admissions policies, adding that disciplinary action will be taken against anyone found prioritising foreign learners ahead of South African children.
“We will not tolerate any claims that suggest foreign nationals are prioritised at the expense of South African learners. Any school or official found to be in violation of admissions policies will face consequence management,” he said.
Only 2 763 Learners Still Unplaced
Meanwhile, the department says progress continues to be made in the 2026 Online Admissions process. According to the GDE, only 2 763 Grade 1 and Grade 8 learners remain unplaced across Gauteng. This includes:
735 Grade 1 learners
2 028 Grade 8 learners
The department has assured parents that all qualifying learners will be placed in public schools, although not necessarily at their schools of first choice due to capacity constraints, particularly in parts of Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni.
Despite these challenges, the GDE says it is working daily with schools to identify available spaces and finalise outstanding placements in a fair and transparent manner.
Late Applications Still Open
The GDE Online Admissions system opened for late applications on 17 December 2025, targeting parents who missed the main application window or submitted incomplete applications.
To date, the department has processed and placed 27 140 late applications:
14 273 Grade 1 learners
12 867 Grade 8 learners
Late applications result in immediate and final placement at schools with available capacity. The system will remain open until 30 January 2026 and will only display schools that have space.
Parents and guardians can apply online at www.gdeadmissions.gov.za, selecting one school for placement in the 2026 academic year.
Chiloane concluded by reaffirming the department’s commitment to ensuring equal access to education for all qualifying learners.
“We remain committed to ensuring that every child who qualifies for placement is accommodated at a public school in Gauteng. Our admissions processes are lawful, fair and transparent, and we will not allow false claims to undermine the work of the department,” he said.
